HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel (1804-1864). Mosses from an Old Manse. New York and London: Wiley and Putnam, 1846.

First edition, first state of the wrappers, listing 18 volumes. Hawthorne's 1846 short story collection was named after the historic manse in Concord, Massachusetts, where he and his wife lived early in their marriage. His friend Herman Melville would review the book, pointing to the darker side of Hawthorne's fiction, famously writing: "Still more: his black conceit pervades him through and through. You may be witched by his sunlight,—transported by the bright gildings in the skies he builds over you;—but there is the blackness of darkness beyond; and even his bright gildings but fringe, and play upon the edges of thunder-clouds." BAL 7598.

2 volumes, 8vo. Half titles. Original buff printed wrappers (repairs to backstrip and covers of vol. 2, with some ad text lost on inside of rear cover; some general soiling and wear). Custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: ownership signature to upper cover of vol. 1 – ownership signature to half title of vol. 2.