[Literature] Alcott, Louisa M. Little Women or, Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy

Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1868-69. In two volumes. First edition, first state (with $1.25 price in terminal ad in first book, and no notice for Little Women, Part First at end of contents on p. iv in second book). 8vo. 341, (1), (6) (ads); 359, (1), (8) (ads) pp. First book illustrated with frontispiece and three plates by May Alcott; second book illustrated with frontispiece and three plates by various artists. First book in original terra cotta cloth, second book in original purple cloth, each stamped in blind and in gilt, first book misbound with text block cased upside-down, each volume cocked, joints on each volume rubbed, tear along front joint of first book, two stains to front board of same, extremities variously rubbed in both volumes, spine of second book lightly faded; all edges trimmed; brown-coated endpapers; front and rear hinges of first book cracked and starting; front and rear hinges of second book worn; some gatherings starting in each volume; bookseller's embossed stamp at top of front free endpaper in first book; bottom corner, pp. 35/36 chipped and torn in first book, scattered creasing to top corners in same; old ownership signature in pencil on front blank in second book; each volume in quarter morocco slip case and chemise. BAL 158 and 159; Peter Parley to Penrod, p. 30; Grolier American 74

A rare and unsophisticated first edition of Alcott's celebrated coming-of-age novel.