Enoch Arden – Alfred Tennyson
VG 1865 Illustrated

For sale: a Rare and Exceptional first edition, first Illustrated printing, hardcover copy of Enoch Arden by Alfred Tennyson, Poet Laureate. First US Edition unstated, 1865 ‎ Ticknor And Fields with title page dated 1864 and with Tennyson’s American rights 3-line, statement on the previous page.  First Printing with no subsequent printing on copyright page. Ex-Library with minimal interior markings.

The exterior of the book is in Very Good condition with green, cloth boards and strong title ink on the front board. The spine is lightly sunned with very strong author and title gilt. The front board has some sheen, and lightly faded gilt on the front graphic which includes a quote, “Cast All Your Cares On God /// That Anchor Holds.” The rear board has a glue stain near the spine, and no gilt on the rear graphic, as issued. Also, strong gilt on all three page blocks, tight binding, mild spine tilt, rolled and rubbed spine ends, mild edge wear, and lightly rounded corners.

The interior of the book is also in Very Good condition with a paper bookplate on the front paste down which names and numbers the Library and the donor’s name. The only other Library Marks are the glue stains from the cardboard sleeve on the rear paste down and the donor’s last name, gift number and date of gift – Feb. 1928 on the reverse of the  rear free end paper. No other Library marks, inscriptions or other signs of ownership inside. 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.