The true first American edition of 20,000 Leagues was the James R. Osgood edition published in November of 1872, but dated 1873. Less than 100 of these books probably exist, mainly because the book was printed from the plates of the Sampson, Low first British edition and Osgood had very few sets of these. Also, the Great Boston Fire (Nov. 9, 1872) destroyed over 700 buildings including warehouses that Osgood used to house his stock. It is possible that most of the issue was destroyed. Since the Osgood edition was released a few weeks later, it is thought that only the copies on hand in Osgood’s office, which was above the fire line, were sold. Osgood’s financial hardships forced him to sell the publishing rights to Smith shortly after. George Smith, a subscription seller, published this edition, which very closely resembles the Osgood one, in 1873, 1874 and 1875.
DESCRIPTION:
8 1/4 x 6 x 1 3/4 inches---303 pages
CONDITION:
This book is in very good condition with some restoration. The book is complete and original with all pages and illustrations present.
The textblock was rebound into the original cover using new cloth spine reinforcing. The book’s corners have been stabilized.
The cloth is generally clean and shows only light soil. The gilt has faded or has been rubbed especially at the spine. The rebuilt corners and spine ends have been retouched with a matching color.
The original chocolate colored endpapers were retained and new brown paper hinges were used to reinforce them. There is the original owner’s name and date (1874) written on the front pastedown and a couple of former owner inscriptions on the second blank endpaper.
Beside the endpapers, all internal pages in this book are complete and intact. They are toned with age, but most are in better than average condition with little foxing and no tearing or smudges. The endpapers are of very thin and fragile paper and the edges are a bit worn.
The book will come protected with a slip case and clear mylar jacket.
The slip case was constructed of acid-free materials, hand-marbled book cloth, and is lined around the front edges with genuine leather. It is heavy-duty and should last for many years. The cloth covering of the slipcase is marbled cloth (made by me) and the vignettes on the slipcase are inspired by the illustrations in the book. The title on the back of the slipcase allows you to turn the book around on the shelf so that the book’s spine is not exposed to light.
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