Preface 1818 (1 results)

Hardcover. Condition: Good. With this book, "Reminiscences", first published posthumously in 1881, Thomas Carlyle shocked the literary world by his pointed honesty. He had delivered the manuscript for the book to his literary executor, James Anthony Froude, with instructions that it not be published until after his death, which Froude did. The book was first issued in London in 1881, and there soon followed an American edition, published early in the same year. This is the Charles Scribner's Sons edition, issued as 'The Authorized Edition'. This copy's cover is fairly worn , and the interior is fairly well toned. (Read our full condition report below) The book consists of five biographical sketches of family members, friends and associates who were important in his life, and to his development. The individuals are James Carlyle of Ecclefechan (Thomas's father); Edward Irving (a reverend in the Church of Scotland). One of Irving's students was Jane Welsh, with whom Irving fell in love; but his engagement to another made his attachment to Jane impossible. Ironically it was Irving who introduced Jane To Carlyle who married her. Irving remained lifelong friends with them both; Lord Jeffrey (Francis), Carlyle's lawyer and editor; Jane Welsh Carlyle, Thomas's wife ; Poet Laureate Robert Southey; and poet William Wordsworth. This copy came form the private library of Homer Stanley Goodwin, a distinguished citizen of Bethlehem PA, and has in his hand, a handsome signature, with his place of residence and a date : March 16, 1881. Goodwin (1833 - 1897) was the General Eastern Superintendent of Reading Railroad System, President of the American Society of Railroad Superintendents. He was also a 33° Mason. The Bethlehem Masonic Lodge is named after Homer. TITLE : Reminiscences AUTHOR : Thomas Carlyle (1795 - 1881) EDITOR : James Anthony Froude (1818 - 1894) PREFACE : James Anthony Froude IMPRINT : Charles Scribner's Sons PLACE : New York EDITION : First Scribner's Edition ] PROVENANCE & SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES : From the personal library Homer Stanley Goodwin of Bethlehem PA, with his dated signature. PHYSICAL DETAILS : Trade Hardcover; contains a frontispiece with tissue guard (silhouettes of Carlyle's parents), and a Preface; xii + 536 pages, plus 4 pages of publisher's promotional ads; 5 1/8" x 7 3/4" (12mo); silk covered boards and spine, with gilt lettering stamped on spine; the silk, colored dark maroon, is diagonally, minutely ribbed CONDITION -- GOOD ONLY -- This is a previously owned book that has seen use, and displays wear, with the following particulars noted : EXTERIOR -- The spine extremities are quite ragged and frayed - the fraying, at head and foot intrude on the publisher's name (at foot), and the Authorized Edition (at head), else the gilt lettering is still fairly bright. Spine has surface rub down the center. Joints display modest rub. The front board has modest rub, as well as vague weathering along the top edge. The rear board is considerably rubbed, displays some abrasion, and a small patch of either white ink or white paint - the scrapes are mostly along the top of the boards. The board edges have moderate wear - shelf rub for the bottom edges, and denting to the top edge (on the rear board). Text-block edges are toned, else clean and free of marking. BINDING -- Solid; the hinges are not cracked and the text-block is only slightly shaken. No leaves are detached or loose. INTERIOR -- The tissue guard laid in over the frontispiece has a ragged fore-edge, which is also darkened. The paper throughout is toned (darkened). The end-papers are likewise darkened which is a result, mainly, of production decisions, ie: the toning of the end-papers is a reflection of the glue used in the binding, rather than the type of paper used, which is behind the general interior toning. There are a small group of leaves that have creased top fore-edge corner tips, else the interior is clean and presentable.