[HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864).] – [INGERSOLL, Charles Jared.] Inchiquin, the Jesuit's Letters, during a Late Residence in the United States of America. New York: I. Riley, 1810.

Hawthorne’s copy of this popular work reflecting on American national identity, a gift from his maternal uncle. First edition in boards. Hawthorne’s mother was Elizabeth Clarke Manning. The Manning and the Hathorne families both had deep roots in Salem, Massachusetts and the two families were very close. Nathaniel was only six years old when this work was published, but it was an important representation of America’s growing sense of cultural and moral independence in the Federal Era. One of his uncles clearly believed it was important enough to share with Hawthorne after he grew up, and gifted it when Nathaniel was about 25 years old.

Octavo (217 x 133mm). Uncut in original plain boards (neatly rebacked with a small portion of original spine laid down); modern chemise and quarter morocco slipcase. Provenance: Robert Manning, b.1784, Hawthorne’s maternal uncle [Robert was also the name of Hawthorne’s grandfather, but the uncle seems more likely] (ownership signature and printed book label) – Richard Manning, b.1782, the brother of Robert and another of Hawthorne’s uncles (printed book label from Raymond, Maine; ownership signature and inscription indicating that he exchanged Miranda’s Expedition for this book with Richard Manning) – Nathaniel Hawthorne (autograph inscription recording Richard’s gift to him, signed twice: on the front free endpaper and on the title, both “Nath: Hawthorne, 1829.”