WOLFERT'S ROOST by Irving, Washington - 1855

1855. and Other Papers, Now First Collected. New York: G. P. Putnam & Co., 1855. 12 pp ads dated Feb 1855. Original grey-green cloth with front cover vignette in gilt. First American Edition, issued several weeks after the London one. This collection of papers includes Irving's observations on the Seminoles, the Creoles, John Law's 1719-1720 Great Mississippi Bubble scheme, Bermuda, Malta and the field at Waterloo. This copy is from the first printing, with the first gathering consisting of only ten leaves and with the publisher's address of 12 Park Place (changed to 10 Park Place for the third and subsequent printings -- there were at least six printings in 1855 alone). This copy also is in the primary binding, with the front cover gilt vignette and with the title (rather than "Irving's Works") on the spine. This is a near-fine copy, with the slightest of wear at the corners and the spine just a little sunned. Tipped in at the front is a Boston bookseller's leaflet, and on the front endpaper is a presentation inscription dated "Feby 18th '55" -- three days after the first printing was published. Blanck 10188.