EMERSON, Ralph Waldo (1803-1892). May-Day and Other Pieces. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1867.

The Doheny copy of the first edition, one of 100 copies in this special presentation binding, inscribed by Emerson on the front flyleaf: “Frederic Henry Hedge from R.W. Emerson, 1 May 1867. Emerson and Hedge were classmates at the Harvard Divinity School and remained life-long friends. Hedge was the prime mover in the founding of the Transcendental Club. May-Day contains the first book appearance of Emerson’s celebrated poem “Brahma.” BAL 5250; Myerson A28.1a. A fine association copy.

Octavo (175 x 116mm). Original white linen gilt-decorated on front cover and lettered on spine, top edges gilt (covers soiled, some wear at ends of spine); quarter morocco slipcase. Provenance: Frederic Henry Hedge (1805-1890, Unitarian Minister, Harvard Divinity School professor and close friend of the author; presentation inscription from the author) – Estelle Doheny (bookplate; her sale Christie’s New York, 21 February 1989, lot 1892) – William E. Simon – by descent to the consignor.