HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). True Stories from History and Biography. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1851. Second impression. BAL 7655; Clark A 12.1.a1. Octavo (166 x 101mm). Four inserted plates including the frontispiece illustrated by Hammat Billings (Scattered offsetting and foxing, edges toned). Original dark green cloth blind and gilt stamped, yellow endpapers (stained, head and tail caps beginning to fray); modern custom quarter morocco slipcase and chemise.

— The Snow-Image and Other Twice-Told Tales. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1852. First printing with four page publisher’s catalogue inserted between the front endpapers. One of 2,425 copies. BAL 7606; Clark A19.1a. Octavo (180 x 110mm). 4 page publisher’s catalogue (minor offsetting). Original brown cloth blind stamped (somewhat bumped at extremities); modern custom marbled slipcase. Provenance: H. Bradley Martin (bookplate, his sale; Sotheby’s New York 30-31 January 1990, lot 2071); Mildred Greenhill (bookplate).

— A Wonder-Book for Girls and Boys. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1852. First edition, second printing. BAL 7607; Clark 18.1.a. Octavo (168 x 105mm). Frontispiece and six plates inserted (scattered stains). Original purple cloth blind stamped, yellow endpapers (slightly faded); modern custom red slipcase and chemise. Provenance: E.J. Ells (stamp).

Three first editions of collected tales and short stories with moral implications, including the Bradley Martin copy of The Snow-Image. Hawthorne’s continued exploration of allegorical writing for children and adults following the immense success of Twice Told Tales.