Sam Slick, the Clockmaker; The Sayings and Doings of Samuel Slick, of Slickville

New York, NY: John B. Alden Publisher, 1887 John B. Alden Publisher, New York. 1887. Hardcover. Edition not stated. Book is tight, square, and unmarked but for a F/O name/ in pencil on the FFFP for October 17, 1887. Book Condition: Very Good; light wear to head, tail, and tips; tip curling; moisture spot on textblock top. No DJ. Brown cloth boards and spine with black lettering on the spine; very decorated front board in black with title and publisher. Internal hinges are sound without cracks or breaks. Double columns. 2 pages of book ads in front and 4 pages of book ads in rear. 84 pp 8vo. The author created Sam Slick, a Yankee clock peddler who draws on his insight into "natur and human natur" to make his sales and who endlessly, and amusingly, draws attention to the failings of Nova Scotians (Bluenoses), the enlightened progressiveness of Americans, and the intolerable pride and disdain of the British."The Clockmaker" depicts Sam's strategy in selling his wares. He relies on flattery and vanity to gain his initial point and on inertia to clinch it along with his 600% markup on his clocks to the Bluenoses who know nothing about value. The notation on the front board of "A Million Books Profit One Cent Each Equals $10,000" points to his sales thinking. A clean very presentable copy.