Enoch Arden – Alfred Tennyson
VG 1864 First US Hardcover

For sale: a Rare and Exceptional first edition, early printing, hardcover copy of Enoch Arden by Alfred Tennyson, Poet Laureate. First US Edition unstated, 1864  ‎Ticknor And Fields with title page dated 1864, no copyright page and the 24-page List of Ticknor Books at the rear dated October 1864 on the first page of the ad.  Fourth Printing stated as Fourth Edition. 

The exterior of the book is in Very Good condition with cloth boards with some sheen and strong title ink on the front board. The spine is lightly sunned with very faint title gilt that is only visible up close. The spine edges are completely rubbed off flush with the page blocks which are all clean and moderately toned.  Both front and rear boards have some sheen, and embossed graphics. Also, with a tight binding, mild spine tilt, rolled and rubbed spine ends, mild edge wear, and rounded and rubbed corners.

The interior of the book is also in Very Good condition with the previous owner’s name on the first free end paper. No other marks, inscriptions or other signs of ownership. The rear end paper and the interior pages are clean and lightly toned

No dust jacket.

Tennyson’s Enoch Arden, published in 1864 and immensely popular for many years, has been largely lost to our generation.
The story has a Denmark setting more than 200 years ago. A lost seaman, isolated on a lonely island for a number of years, eventually is found and rescued, and returns home to find a complicated family situation which he resolves at great sacrifice to himself.  The narrative is historically heralded for its excellence, including Tennyson’s typical touch, and a positive, affirmative, refreshing conclusion.

Ships promptly in a secure mailer with book wrapped in both craft paper and bubble wrap.