The Scarlet Letter — First Edition, First Printing (1850) Nathaniel Hawthorne With Samuel Appleton Provenance • Custom Clamshell Case

Published in 1850 by Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, this is a true first edition, first printing of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of the foundational works of American literature.

The volume is housed in a custom-made clamshell case, created to provide long-term protection and stability for this historically important book.

Of particular note is the book’s documented provenance:
the copy bears the signature of Samuel Appleton on the leaf following the flyleaf and is accompanied by the original Samuel Appleton armorial bookplate, which has been carefully preserved separately and included with the volume.

Condition:

Professionally rebacked in-house. The volume now features a new cloth spine, with the original cloth and original boards preserved and laid down. The text block is solid and secure. Age-appropriate toning and scattered foxing are present throughout, consistent with mid-nineteenth-century paper.

The original Samuel Appleton armorial bookplate has been carefully removed to prevent further stress, preserved separately, and is included with the book. Appleton’s signature is present on the leaf following the flyleaf, preceding the title page.

Housed in a custom clamshell case for long-term protection.

Additional photographs and condition details are available upon request.

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