MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). Pierre: or, the Ambiguities. New York : Harper & Brothers, 1852.

First edition. A large portion of the first edition of Pierre, one of Melville's most enigmatic works, was consumed in the 1853 fire at Harper & Brothers. "Melville's seventh book. Its poor reception and sales were deeply disappointing to an increasingly discouraged Melville" (Reese). BAL 13666.

Octavo. Original black cloth (rubbed and faded, spine ends worn). Provenance: “Gastvryheid, Fort Orange Club” (bookplate) – dedication leaf dated 1933 – pencil notation to rear endpaper.

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. 19.

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