Antique Victorian-era (1890s) first-edition book The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table written by Oliver Wendell Holmes. Published and printed by Hurst & Co. New York USA.

About the author: Oliver Wendell Holmes was an American physician and Member of the Fireside Poets group based in Boston. Holmes was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. The "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with this book, are Holmes' most famous works.

About the book: Part of Holmes' famed "Breakfast Table Series" of fictional discussions, The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table is a collection of essays written by Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. that were originally published in The Atlantic Monthly from 1857 through 1858. This is the first-edition book form of the essays. The essays take the form of a chiefly one-sided dialogue between the unnamed Author and the other residents of a New England boarding house known only by their profession and location at the table. The topics discussed range from the unexpected benefits of old age to the finest place to build a home, to comments on the nature of conversation itself. The tone of the book is distinctly American ("Yankee") and takes a serio-comic approach to the subject matter. Each essay typically ends with a poem related to the theme of the essay. There are also poems ostensibly written by the fictional disputants scattered throughout.

Condition of book: good for age, the book has a strong and sturdy spine. There is light cracking to the bind at the front top overleaf. no pages have separated from the bind. Tanning of pages exists and some occasional foxing. All text is clear and legible. Embossed gold spine and cover shows little wear with all wording clear and legible. Book has 2 full pages torn and missing pages. Light fading of the green cloth.

Approximate measurements: hardcover book measures 8-5/8" x 6" | no dust jacket.