Defeat

Language: English

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 1928

  • First Edition
  • Hardcover
  • Used
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Seller: Christine's Cabinet, Providence, RI, U.S.A.Christine's Cabinet

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Hardcover

Condition: Used - Good

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Item description from seller

A scarce first American English translation of Ricarda Huch's monumental two-volume historical epic on Italian unification. This is Volume 1, Defeat, presenting Giuseppe Garibaldi's struggle for Italian national independence, translated from the German by Catherine Alison Phillips. Ricarda Huch (1864–1947) was one of the most significant intellectual figures of early 20th-century Europe. A pioneering historian whose methodology blended rigorous research with literary narrative, Huch was nominated seven times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her works on philosophy, history, and politics remain influential, and Garibaldi and The New Italy stands as a seminal source for English-speaking scholars of the Risorgimento. Originally published in German in 1906 as Die Geschichten von Garibaldi, this two-volume work traces the forces and personalities that shaped Italian unification. Defeat examines Garibaldi's transformation from military leader to national symbol, presenting the struggle for independence as dramatic narrative combined with historical scholarship. The 1928–1929 English translation (published by Alfred A. Knopf) established Huch's reputation among anglophone readers and remains the authoritative English text. Original publisher's cloth in rust-brown with gilt lettering and decorative elements to front board and spine. Boards show honest wear consistent with age and circulation—bumped corners, modest rubbing to cloth, light surface soiling. Lower edge and bottom 1/5 of binding show water staining/tide mark from historical exposure, visible but stable and not affecting text integrity. Binding remains structurally sound and square; hinges firm. Text block complete and secure; pages show light, even age-toning. Spine lettering legible. Occasional pencil underlines throughout indicate scholarly engagement. Handwritten notes on endpapers document early ownership. Original cloth binding significant—many period copies were later rebound. Condition: Good to Good Plus. A solid, presentable working copy of this scarce English translation with honest age-appropriate wear, original cloth binding intact, and complete interior.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1782865771997

Bibliographic details

Title
Defeat
Author
Huch, Ricarda
Publisher
Alfred A. Knopf, New York
Publication year
1928
Condition
Good
Binding
Hardcover
Language
English
Edition
1st Edition
Printing
1st Printing
Seller catalogs
Classic Literature & Poetry: Fine Editions

Christine's Cabinet

Providence, RI, U.S.A.

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AbeBooks seller since June 23, 2026

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Christine's Cabinet is an independent antiquarian bookshop specializing in illustrated first editions, fine bindings, and Victorian & Edwardian literature with documented provenance. Run by a single bookseller with 12+ years in book arts, printmaking, and book repair — currently teaching bookbinding at RISD Continuing Education, joining the Providence Art Club as an instructor this fall, 2026.

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Victorian & Edwardian Literature — first editions, illustrated editions, decorative bindings Fine Bindings & Design — Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts movement, elaborate gilt work Illustrated & Decorative Books — hand-colored plates, wood engravings, premium production values Literary Classics — canonical works in original cloth, presentation copies, period editions Natural History & Scientific Works