[HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864).] – TUCKERMAN, Henry T. A Month in England. New York: Redfield, 1854.

Presentation copy for Nathaniel Hawthorne and signed by him. A significant association copy, one betokening the distinct mutual admiration of two American writers. With Hawthorne's autograph inscription on the front free endpaper: "Nath. Hawthorne. from the Author." Hawthorne wrote of his enjoyment of the writings of Tuckerman to the critic in 1846, having had a copy of Mosses from an Old Manse sent to him (CE 16:170). Tuckerman wrote appreciatively of Hawthorne that year, recalling having seen the fiction writer at the Boston Athenaeum. An 1851 Tuckerman essay in the Southern Literary Messenger, “Nathaniel Hawthorne”—identifying the writer as “a prose-poet”—prompted Hawthorne’s delighted response: “It gave me, I must confess, the pleasantest sensation I have ever experienced, from any cause connected with literature; not so much for the sake of the praise as because I felt that you saw into my books and understood what I meant. I cannot thank you enough for it” (CE 16:452).

A Month in England likewise yielded Hawthorne’s appreciative response. From his 1863 Atlantic Monthly piece “Up the Thames,” (later collected in Our Old Home): “I found an exquisite pleasure, the other day, in reading Mr. Tuckerman’s ‘Month in England’—a fine example of the way in which a refined and cultivated American looks at the Old Country, the things that he naturally seeks there, and the modes of feeling and reflection which they excite” (CE 5:259). Stated second edition. This volume is a significant association copy, one betokening the distinct mutual admiration of two American writers.

Octavo (185 x 125mm). Publisher's ads at end. (Pale browning.) Original blindstamped cloth, spine gilt lettered (minor wear to extremities); modern slipcase. Provenance: Nathaniel Hawthorne (autograph ownership inscription).