Herman Melville, 1891

MELVILLE, Herman (1819-1891). Timoleon. New York: Caxton Press, 1891.

Melville's last published work in his lifetime, and another great rarity. With signature. Like John Marr, this fragile work was published in an edition of only 25 copies. According to Henry Wessells' census, 19 known copies are in institutional collections, and only two copies—including this one—are in private hands. A copy formerly in the collection of the Brooklyn Public Library is unlocated. The present copy has the author's clipped signature affixed to the title page. ABPC records the most recent copy of Timoleon selling in 1990 in the H. Bradley Martin sale. BAL 13667.

Octavo. Original printed wrappers (front wrapper starting to detach despite some earlier repair, a little chipping at extremities). Custom clamshell box.

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. 39.