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UNCLE TOM'S CABIN.
(London: John Cassell, 1852). 200 x 131 mm. (8 x 5 1/8"). xxiii, [1, blank], 391, [1, advertisements], xxiii, [1, "Results"], pp. (without the two-page Cassell's publication advertisement at end of part 6, as usual). 13 parts, as issued. First London and First Cruikshank Illustrated Edition in the original thirteen weekly parts.
Original buff printed paper wrappers. In an oil cloth wrapper and housed in a (somewhat worn) late 19th century maroon half morocco pull-off case. With title page vignette (in part 13), portrait of Mrs. Stowe, and 26 (of 27) WOOD ENGRAVINGS BY GEORGE CRUIKSHANK and an additional copy of two plates (lacking "Andy and Sam's Trick" and with two copies of "The Death of Uncle Tom" and "Aunt Chloe hearing of Uncle Tom's Death"). Two wrappers with 19th century ownership signatures (one of "Tho[ma]s. Wright 16 Manor Place" and the other of "Stewart Taunton"). BAL 19518; Cohn 777; PMM 332. Wrappers a little soiled and frayed at edges, volume XII with wrapper covers off and contents loosening, occasional minor stains, chips, or slight fraying to edges, final leaf of text with neatly repaired three-inch tear, affecting blank lower half of the text page and the advertisements on verso (but without loss), a couple of lesser tears with neat older repairs, other trivial imperfections, but a very good set of a work that, in its fragile format, would almost always be found (when it can be found at all) in deplorable shape.
This is the extremely scarce parts issue that, even with its defects, has to be counted as a very desirable copy of the first London edition of Stowe's influential abolitionist novel, enhanced with the dramatic engravings of George Cruikshank. Motivated by a fervent calling to rid America of slavery, Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-96) proposed to the editor of the abolitionist newspaper "The National Era" in March of 1851 that he consider publishing a serialized story demonstrating the oppression and brutality of life as a slave. Released in 13 monthly installments, with publication concluding in April 1852, the story "helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War," according to Will Kaufman in his book "The Civil War in American Culture." The work attained such popularity that by the time it appeared in book form, copies from the initial press run of 5,000 were exhausted within a few days. Sales in America and in Britain were nothing short of phenomenal: 300,000 copies were sold during the first year in the U.S. alone, and more than 20 unauthorized editions were printed in London during 1852. Among the latter, PMM singles out the present Cruikshank-illustrated edition, accepted as the first London printing, for mention. The illustrator's well-known reputation for producing satirical book illustrations might seem to make Cruikshank a risky choice here, given the serious crusading content of the book, but the character of the engravings is in keeping with the theme and tone of the novel. Only a handful of copies in parts have appeared at auction over the past 45 years, all apparently lacking the same two-page advertisement at the end of part 6. (ST20477)
Price: $3,000.00