The Secret Service Hardcover - 1865

Hartford: American Publishing Company, 1865. The fascinating, heroic, and tragic story of Albert D. Richardson (1833-1869) gripped the nation several times. A popular journalist for the NY "Tribune," he was captured at Vicksburg and imprisoned as a Union spy. His escape is documented here. Later, his love for an actress and their attempts to obtain her divorce resulted in the abusive husband attempting to murder Richardson - twice, and Richardson and his love were married on his deathbed. In a very political trial, his murderer was freed. This is a Very Good copy of the First Edition; a large and heavy octavo. Clean text; 509 pages of narrative and three pages of a musical score dedicated to the "Nameless Heroine" who helped him escape, with her portrait engraving. The pages are quite bright and readable today, although a bit stiff, giving the volume a shaken feel. Previous-owner signatures to the front paste-down and Title page; Bookplate of a different owner on the front paste-down. Bumped, with some bubbling to the front cover and splits to the spine. Quercus feels this would be a good candidate for a new binding. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. First Edition.. Hard Cover. Very Good/No Jacket.