MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). The Piazza Tales. New York: Dix & Edwards, 1856.

First edition of these stories that include "Bartleby, the Scrivener," inscribed by Allan Melville on the front endpaper. "Collected in this volume are most of the pieces Melville wrote for periodicals in 1853-1855. This first American edition is a presentation copy, inscribed 'Charles Jones Esq from Allan Melville July 10th 1856.' Allan was handling his brother's business arrangements at this point" (Reese). BAL 13669.

Octavo. 7 pp. ads at rear (rear endpaper mostly lacking; intermittent marginal dampstain, heaviest on final page of ads). Original cloth, yellow endpapers (rubbing, particularly to spine lettering and spine ends). Provenance: Charles Jones Esq. (inscription).

Exhibited: "A Herman Melville Collection ... on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his death, from the collection of William S. Reese," Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Yale University, 1991, no. 25.