(New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1901).

FIRST EDITION AND A RARE INSCRIBED COPY OF CABLE'S FAMOUS CIVIL WAR ROMANCE PRESENTED TO ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST ACCLAIMED ACTORS OF THE TIME. Joseph Jefferson one of the most famous of all 19th century American comedians. He was particularly well known for his portrayal of Rip Van Winkle, first on the stage, and later reprising the role in several silent film adaptations. Through his appearances in the latter, he is believed to be the earliest born actor to appear in film. Jefferson built a home in 1869 in New Iberia, Louisiana, which is likely where he became associated with Louisiana's native author Mr. Cable.
Cable's best-selling lively story of love and adventure in the days of the Civil WarCable's was a long and much interrupted task. He began the work in 1893, but did not finish it unti 1900. But patience is a virtue, and when finally published, the book met with tremendous success. It is the story of Richard Thorndyke Smith, a young soldier in the Southern army, who provides the reader with his personal reminiscences. Item #27833

First Edition. INSCRIBED PRESENTATION COPY, inscribed to America's premier actor of the period, Joseph Jefferson, "To Dear Mr.Joseph Jefferson; from one of his innumerable lovers. Yours Truly G.W.Cable Northhampton, Mass.Nov.1901". Blanck's first issue with "city-bird" on line 8, page 34 and other points. With frontispiece and 7 full-page illustrations by Howard Chandler Christy. 8vo,, rebound, but preserving the original cloth binding which is bound in, at an early date in three-quarter crimson calf over colourful paper-covered boards, the spine with gilt decorated compartments separated by gilt ruled raised bands, two green morocco labels gilt lettered and tooled, marbled endpapers, silk ribbon marker, t.e.g. vi, [2], 311 pp. A fine attractive copy, the text still quite fresh and bright and with the original decorated cloth preserved within, the binding, likely done for Mr. Jefferson, solid and attractive, the spine toned from crimson to coral, as is typical with red dyes of the period and with some minor edge rubbing.