Poet Breakfast Table: Signed (2 results)

hardcover. Condition: fine. First. 418p., 8vo, green cloth with bevelled edges, stamped in gilt. Boston: Osgood, 1872. First Edition. Fine, in a cloth slipcase. First issue, with "Talle" in the running head on p. 9. A tight, clean copy. Laid in is a 2 1/2 page autograph letter signed from Holmes, May 20, 1892, explaining at great length why he cannot participate in the next celebration of the National Anniversary. "The time has come when it is a matter of necessity for me to avoid publicity as much as possible and to excuse myself from these lesser literary talks which I have willingly undertaken in former years.I feel them collectively as so many leaden weights.I can write, as you see pretty well but my eyesight is imperfect .and I depend more and more on the pen of my secretary.Every time my name is printed as participating.it brings on more invitations to answer ane more excuses to make." Holmes was to die 2 years later. …

Illustrated by H.M. Brock. 3 vols. 8vo. With an ALS tipped in at the front of The Autocrat. To Mrs Merrill. Beverly Farms August 12, 1884, 1 page. A fulsome reply to her letter from Mrs. Merrill thanking him for his work. Full polished green calf, gilt spine, t.e.g. , by Zaehnsdorf for A.C. McClurg. Some minor wear at head of spine, minor sunning Illustrated by H.M. Brock. 3 vols. 8vo. Signed. …