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, second issue, in cloth, of Melville's first book. Frederick Gansevoort's copy. Published in America as Typee, the book is dedicated to Lemuel Shaw, Melville's father-in-law. Frederick has not been identified, but he was likely a relative as Melville's mother Maria was a Gansevoort. The present copy is BAL's binder's variant B. BAL 13652.

Octavo. Half title, map, 16 pp. of ads at rear dated March 1846. Original red cloth, gilt titles to spine (cloth splitting along joints, a little general wear otherwise, front hinge repaired). Custom chemise and slipcase. Provenance: Frederick Gansevoort (ownership inscription dated 26 May 1847).

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