Offered here is an original 1899 first edition of Billy Baxter’s Letters by Wm. J. Kountz, Jr., published by Duquesne Distributing Co., Harmarville, Pennsylvania.
This early American humor and satire title features the original publisher’s illustrated cloth binding and frontispiece portrait of the author portraying the Billy Baxter character. The book includes an early dated owner inscription from August 13, 1900, indicating early ownership shortly after publication. The inscription is not by the author.
The book has been personally inspected. The text block is complete with no missing pages. Interior pages show expected age toning and scattered light spotting consistent with a book from the late 19th century. The binding is worn and the front hinge is cracked, with visible separation at the gutter, though the pages remain attached and the book is still readable and intact.
This is a solid candidate for collectors of Victorian-era American literature, humor, or early illustrated books, especially as a true first edition in original cloth.
The book will be securely polybagged and shipped in a sturdy box. Handled and packed by a collector for collectors. Stored in a smoke-free environment. Fast shipping with tracking and careful packaging guaranteed.
Condition
Good overall for age. Original illustrated cloth binding shows edge wear, rubbing, and corner softening. Front hinge is cracked with visible gutter separation but pages remain attached. Spine intact. Interior pages are complete with age toning and light spotting. Includes early dated owner inscription (1900). No library stamps or ex-library markings observed.