- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used





Seller: Christine's Cabinet, Providence, RI, U.S.A.Christine's Cabinet
AbeBooks seller since June 23, 2026
Condition: Used - Good
US$ 65.00
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem 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.
AbeBooks seller since June 23, 2026
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 3 to 5 business days | 5 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 0.00 | US$ 0.00 |
Payment methods
Store description
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.
Specialty
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 WorksTerms of sale
Christine's Cabinet is an independently operated antiquarian bookselling business based in Providence, Rhode Island, registered as a single-member LLC. Every book offered for sale has been personally examined, assessed, and photographed by the bookseller directly, drawing on more than twelve years of experience in book arts, fine printing, printmaking, and book repair. Condition is graded honestly and specifically using the standard terms Good, Very Good, and Near Fine, with any defects, repairs, restorations, or notable wear disclosed in the item description rather than glossed over. Editions, printings, and points of issue are verified to the best of the bookseller's knowledge and ability before a book is listed, and any uncertainty in dating, edition status, or attribution is noted plainly in the description itself. Prices are set using confirmed comparable sales and market data rather than optimistic estimates, reflecting a considered assessment of each book's condition, rarity, and desirability at the time of listing.
Orders are processed and prepared for shipment promptly following payment, and every book is packed individually and with care appropriate to its age, binding, and fragility, using materials intended to protect the item through transit. For orders shipped to the European Union valued at €150 or less, applicable VAT is collected at checkout and duties are handled on a Delivered Duty Paid basis; buyers will not be charged additional customs duties upon delivery for these orders. For orders shipped to the European Union valued above €150, and for international orders generally, any customs duties, import taxes, or fees levied by the buyer's own country upon arrival are the buyer's responsibility and are not included in the item price.
Returns are handled in accordance with AbeBooks' Return Policy. Buyers are encouraged to review photographs and condition notes carefully and to reach out with any questions before completing a purchase, so that every transaction begins with a clear and accurate understanding of the item. Christine's Cabinet stands behind the accuracy of every description and is committed to representing each book honestly, so that collectors and readers alike can buy with confidence.
Shipping terms
All domestic orders within the United States ship via USPS Priority Mail at no additional cost, with shipping built into the listed price of each item. International orders ship via USPS International, with a standard shipping rate of $36.00 or Priority International service available for $46.00; buyers may select their preferred service at checkout where offered. Books are typically processed and shipped within 48 hours of payment, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Every item is packed individually according to its age, binding, and fragility, using materials appropriate to protect the book through transit, including rigid mailers or boxing for larger or more delicate volumes. Tracking information is provided for all orders.
For orders shipped to the European Union valued at €150 or less, applicable VAT is collected at checkout and duties are handled on a Delivered Duty Paid basis; buyers will not be charged additional customs duties upon delivery for these orders. For orders shipped to the European Union valued above €150, and for shipments to other international destinations generally, any customs duties, import taxes, or fees assessed upon arrival are the responsibility of the buyer and are separate from the shipping cost shown at checkout. Please allow additional time for delivery on international orders, as transit times vary by destination and customs processing.