MARDI: and a Voyage Thither

New York: Harper & Brothers, 1849. First U.S. edition. Two volumes. His third book and first work of pure fiction -- in his brief preface to volume 1, Melville notes that his first "two narratives of voyages in the Pacific ... were received with incredulity" and expresses hope for this fictional tale of an American sailor abanding his whaling vessel to explore the South Pacific to be accepted as true. 8vo embossed dark brown "T-cloth" with blind-stamped rule about 1/8th inch from edges (priority unknown); gilt-stamped spines; yellow coated endpapers; 365 & 387 pages plus 8 pages ads in 2nd volume [BAL 13658]. Near fine with professional restoration to spine ends and corners and occasional light foxing, primarily to volume 2. Yellow coated endpapers remarkably fresh and clean. Housed in custom light-brown cloth slipcase with gilt lettered spine.