About this Item
Gertrude Atherton was an American novelist who, in her day, was very popular with readers, and who had an good reputation among critics. She was born and died in California, and much of her literary output celebrated that state. The many reprints of this book, which is not in any manner a California story, go towards buttressing that reputation. "The Conqueror : A Dramatized Biography of Alexander Hamilton" by Gertrude Atherton, was originally published in 1902, and went through 35 printings to the edition of which this copy is representative : the 35th Printing, December 11, 1934. That's a fine record.
In fact the book is still in print. The reasons are easy to see. The book is stated as being a dramatized account of Hamilton's life, but Atherton's interest, her labor in collecting historical evidence, her understanding of American history, and her ability to write an exciting, absorbing, and fully satisfyingly enriching story, still speak to the modern reader. Just consider the amazing breadth of Hamilton's friendships and acquaintances (and enemies) -- he was truly a man who strode across the boards of American public fame and recognition. He was the "Conqueror" that Atherton portrays him to have been. This is one of the best American historical novels ever written.
TITLE : The Conqueror : A Dramatized Biography of Alexander Hamilton
AUTHOR : Gertrude Atherton (Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton, 1857 - 1948)
IMPRINT : Frederick A. Stokes
PLACE : New York
DATE : (December 11, 1934)
EDITION : 35th Printing
Trade hardcover; Contains a frontispiece portrait with tissue guard; has 9 pages of notes; xii + 536 pages; approx. 5" x 7 1/2"; brown cloth-covered boards with gilt lettering on spine and front board; front board has paper paste-down portrait illustration of Hamilton; decorated end-papers printed in pale orange on white.
CONDITION -- VERY GOOD -- This is a previously owned book which remains clean and attractive, with the following imperfections and particulars noted:
EXTERIOR : Spine extremities are compressed and display a touch of abrasion, with fraying just beginning to head; gilt lettering is bright; the picture on the front has a touch of rub, but displays brightly; board surfaces have mild rub; edge wear to boards is mild, consisting of mainly rub to bottom, and a bit of scattered nicking; text-block edges are clean and free of marking - the whole taken together displays nicely.
BINDING : The paper over the top portion of the front hinge is split; no splitting to the rear end-paper hinge; the book has obviously been read and thus is not as tight as when issued, however no leaves are detached or loose, and the whole - while being a bit relaxed - remains solid enough.
INTERIOR : The first few leaves were separated a bit carelessly upon first reading, and thus have ragged fore-edges, with partial loss of paper; the tissue guard for the frontispiece displays wrinkling and creasing, as well as toning; while there are a few small spots and small smudges, the text block as a whole is clean and free of marking. On the top edge of the front free end-paper is written in ink the dated signature of the original owner (James Hallen O'Leary / August 1936).
DUST-JACKET ? Sans.
Seller Inventory # 1860
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