Herman Melville's copy

HAZLITT, William (1778-1830). Criticisms on Art: and Sketches of the Picture Galleries of England. London: John Templeman, 1843.

Herman Melville's copy, annotated and signed by him: "H. Melville May 11 ’70 NY,” on leaf facing title page. As noted in the previous lot, "As Melville sought to expand his repertoire as a lecturer, he read Hazlitt's works thoroughly" (Reese). This volume, was acquired eight years after Lectures on the English Comics, attesting to his longstanding affinity for Hazlitt. Melville has annotated approximately 86 pages in total, including 77 pages with pencil scores, checkmarks, underlinings, and other emphasis marks added, and nine pages with one word or more, for a total of 42 words. He has also made notes to the ads at the beginning regarding other titles. Sealts 263a.

Octavo. 16 pages of ads at beginning. Original green cloth gilt (rebacked with original spine laid down, binding cracked and several gatherings loose). Custom chemise and quarter morocco slipcase. Provenance: The Edward and Betty Marcus Foundation (Christie’s New York, 22 November 1985, lot 85) – Haven O’More (bookplate, his sale, Sotheby’s 9-10 November 1989, lot 185).

The text block has re-detached from the binding.