MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). Narrative of a Four Months’ Residence Among the Natives of a Valley of The Marquesas Islands; or a Peep at Polynesian Life. London: John Murray, 1846.

First edition, first issue, of Melville's first book, in what appears to be an unrecorded contemporary gift binding. The novel was published in New York as Typee a month following its London publication. The first issue reads "Pomarea" on p. 19. BAL 13652 (for text).

Octavo (170 x 115mm). (Lacking front and rear endpapers, half title, and ads.) Red cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine, all edges gilt (rubbed and faded, a little chipping at foot of spine, dampstain to lower half of rear cover). Custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: David Thomas (inscription dated 17 February 1927, Bangor).

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