first edition Frontispiece portrait of the author to vol. I, folding facsimile frontispiece to vol. II. 2 vols. 8vo
1858 · London
by (Switzerland) Koltsova-Masalskaia, Elena Mikhailovna Gihka Kniaginia
London: A. Fullarton & Co, 1858. First edition in English. Frontispiece portrait of the author to vol. I, folding facsimile frontispiece to vol. II. 2 vols. 8vo. Original brown cloth decorated in blind, spine gilt. Spines bumped, hinges of vol. I starting, else very good, crisp set with bookplate of J. Watts de Peyster and his gift inscription "Gen. J W de Peyster to JW Hamersley" in each volume. First edition in English. Frontispiece portrait of the author to vol. I, folding facsimile frontispiece to vol. II. 2 vols. 8vo. The pseudonymous author Elena Mikhailovna (1828-1888) was a Romanian princess, niece of the hospodar of Wallachia, and author of several volumes on women's issues, Des femmes, par une femme and Les femmes en Orient (dealing with the Balkans and Russia). Gen. John Watts de Peyster (1821-1907) was born into a prominent and wealthy New York family, was active in the New York militia (his brevet rank of major-general was conferred in 1866 in recognition of meritorious services, which did not include active service); in reorganizing New York City fire and police departments; and as an author on a variety of topics, including military history (DAB V, p. 248). The recipient, John W. Hamersley was a member of another wealthy and influential New York family. (Inventory #: 37158)