Autobiography of Eppa Hunton

HUNTON, Eppa. Autobiography of Eppa Hunton. Richmond: William Byrd Press, 1933. 1st ed. 8vo. 268pp. Orig. gilt-armorial cloth. Signed and numbered along with a presentation inscription by the author's grandson. Fine. Howes H-826. Dornbusch II, 2806. In Tall Cotton 99. CWB I, 109. Rare. One of 100 copies printed (this is no. 36), signed by Eppa Hunton IV, the author's grandson, on the colophon page. Additionally, this copy is inscribed by him on the front pastedown: "Mr. Jefferson P. Chandler, with kindest regards of his friend Eppa Hunton IV Oct. 6 1933 See pages 212 + 214." Chandler was one of Hunton's law partners, who is described on p. 212 as "one of the finest jury lawyers in the city." Eppa Hunton's memoirs are among the rarest and most desirable works written by a Confederate. He commanded the 8th Virginia, Pickett's Division, for the duration of the war. The unit participated in every major campaign in the Eastern theater, and Col. Hunton earned a promotion to brigadier-general for his outstanding gallantry during the division's fatal charge at Gettysburg. After he recovered from a wound he received there, he returned to Longstreet's corps and led his regiment until his capture only days before Lee's surrender at Appomattox. "Although written by a Confederate general, these reminiscences contain many insights into the life of the Southern GI" - Nevins I, 109. "Even if this book had not been printed in a very small edition so that it is a special desideratum of collectors of rarities it would be of importance as a record of soldier life as seen through the eyes of the colonel of the 8th Virginia Infantry" - In Tall Cotton 99.…