LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH | Poems on Slavery. Cambridge: John Owen, 1842

The Property of a Gentleman

LONGFELLOW, HENRY WADSWORTH

Poems on Slavery. Cambridge: John Owen, 1842

8vo (4 1/8 x 6 1/2 in.; 108 x 164 mm). Half-title with presentation inscription in Longfellow's hand; lacking publisher's advertisements. Full red morocco, bound by Bradstreet, spine gilt lettered, turn-ins with multiple gilt rules and gilt floral cornerpieces. In custom red and brown linen clamshell case.

First edition, presentation copy, inscribed in Longfellow’s hand, “Rev. R. C. Waterston | from the Author”

The present collection of poems was written by Longfellow in support of the United States anti-slavery efforts. Longfellow, who was conscious of his public image, published the poems even though he suspected that doing so would hurt him commercially. Upon the publication of the volume, many people wrote to Longfellow, expressing their disapproval over him having written such verse. Longfellow responded to this criticism by stating that his feelings prompted him to write about such things, and that he had no regrets about writing them.

Robert Cassie Waterston was a noted Unitarian clergyman in Boston. Today the bulk of his books are held in the Massachusetts Historical Society.

REFERENCES

BAL 12068

PROVENANCE

Robert Cassie Waterston (author's inscription to half-title) — Stephen Wakeman (book label to front pastedown; his sale, American Art Association, 29 April 1924, lot 657)