Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1952, 1952 #48 in the "Great Books of the Western World" series.Tan-colored leatheen; 8vo.,420pp. Gilt titles. Tight. No names or other markings. Fine.

Synopsis

Melville's classic was first published in England as three volumes titled The Whale in October 1851. Slow sales of Melville's previously books convinced Publisher L. Richard Bentley to reduce the printing to only 500 copies, and of that, only 300 sold in the first 4 months. The remaining unbound sheets were bound in a cheaper casing in 1852, and in 1853 there were still enough remaining sheets to again bind into an even cheaper edition. Melville changed the title to Moby Dick a month later, November 1851, when the American Version was published in one volume by Harper & Brothers in NY. Of the 2,951 copies printed, 125 were review copies. About 1,500 sold in 11 days, but then sales slowed to less than 300 the next year. After two years copies of the first edition were still available, and almost 300 were destroyed in the 1853 fire of Harper's warehouse. Most of the first editions have orange end-papers, although there are 2 known volumes with rare white-endpapers. Because of Nineteenth-century printing practices, and the time-lapse between when the first-editions were published and Melville became collectible, oxidized paper, bumped and chipped spines, and brittle wrappers are all common for even the most expensive and collectible of these books, which can sell from $35,000 to $100,000. Also, expect heavy wear and maybe even minor repair. Another collectible edition is the 1930 first edition illustrated by Rockwell Kent, a three-volume set published by the Lakeside Press with acetate dust jackets in an aluminum slipcase. These range in value from $9,000 to $11,000. A total of 3,215 copies of Moby-Dick were sold during Melville's life (he died in 1891). Today, Moby-Dick is considered one of the greatest American novels. -

Reviews

On Mar 9 2016, a reader said:

Why would this be 600 since the original was in 1851?

(Log in or Create an Account first!)

Details

Bookseller: Shamrock Books (US)
Bookseller's Inventory #: 120634
Title: Moby Dick; or, the Whale
Author: Melville, Herman
Format/Binding: Hardcover
Book Condition: Used
Quantity Available: 1
Publisher: Encyclopedia Britannica, 1952
Place of Publication: Chicago
Date Published: 1952
Keywords: FICTION, GREAT BOOKS SERIES
Bookseller catalogs: Great Books Series;

Terms of Sale

Shamrock Books

CHECK, CASH OR MONEY ORDERS. CREDIT CARD USERS MUST UTILIZE the appropriate program shown where we have this item listed. We are pleased to ship and then invoice Libraries,Colleges,Universities,Institutions. All books,within U.S. (other than multiple orders) are shipped Media Mail unless buyer specifically chooses otherwise.Paperbacks and softcovers are 3.00, Hardbacks are 5.00 For Overseas orders, (Europe and Asia: International Money-Order, check drawn on U.S. bank or even cash if you wish),Phone or E-Mail for further info.on cost and shipping instructions. All items guaranteed & 'returnable' within ten days for full refund if not as described. We will hold a maximum of 14 days following initial order.

About the Seller

Shamrock Books

This seller has earned a 1 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.

Biblio member since 2005

Lubbock, Texas

Ask Seller a Question

About Shamrock Books

first established 1982. Diana M Gallagher; Prop.

Glossary

Glossary

Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:

Fine: A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
Gilt: The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
Tight: Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.