[SEDGWICK, Catherine (1789-1867).] Redwood. New York: E. Bliss and E. White, 1824.

First edition of Sedgwick's rare second novel. From the library of the author's sister-in-law, fellow writer Susan Sedgwick. Born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1789, Catherine Sedgwick was one of 19th-century America's most prolific female authors, writing six novels, eight works for children, two biographies, and over 100 short pieces of prose and other works over the course of her career. In an 1835 review of her novel The Linwoods, Edgar Allan Poe would observe, "Miss Sedgwick is one among the few American writers who have risen by merely their own intrinsic talents," noting that she was "fully deserving of all the popularity she has attained." ABPC records only one other copy of Redwood at auction, the Ewing copy (Christie's New York, 7 April 1978, lot 167). A critical edition of the novel was published by Edinburgh University Press last year. Sabin 78800.

Two volumes, 12mo (180 x 105mm). Errata page at rear of volume two (some spotting internally, particularly to title of vol.1; small loss to corner of p.214, affecting a few words). Contemporary half calf over marbled boards, leather spine label (a little chipping to spine, wear to joints and board tips). Provenance: Susan Sedgwick, 1788-1867 (ownership inscription).