Hardcover
1846 · New York
by MELVILLE, Herman
New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1846. Hardcover. Very Good. Revised American edition, with the sequel, first printing, second state. Two parts in one. Small octavo. 308pp. Contemporary half straight grain morocco gilt and cloth, with the glazed pink paper label of "J.H. Oliphant, Book-binder. Oswego, N.Y." on the front pastedown. Contemporary penciled owner's name, lacks front fly, rubbing at the joints and extremities, but still a pleasing very good copy. Melville's first book, his dramatic account of his adventures in the South Seas was immediately popular, but he was accused of fictionalizing events (these accusations spurred, in part, by the book's disdain for missionaries). Melville's shipmate, Toby Greene, read one such critical review and was prompted to write his own short account verifying most of Melville's tale. Consequently, this edition deletes some passages critical of missionaries, but adds "The Story of Toby" vindicating the author of deceit. *BAL* 13654.
(Inventory #: 397536)