Up for auction is a Very Rare, First U.S. Edition/First Printing of Bella Donna by Robert Hichens.


Hardcover.

NO dust jacket is present.

Published by J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia, 1909.


The bibliographical information on this rare book has been difficult to ascertain.

Based on our research, this is a TRUE First U.S. Edition/First Printing.

ALL First Edition Points are present including "Published October, 1909" which is clearly stated on the copyright page.

We were, however, initially quite confused about the printing. Our confusion was caused by title page and the words "THIRD EDITION" which is also clearly stated.

Our research indicates that ALL TRUE First U.S. Editions/First Printings have "THIRD EDITION" printed on the title page. Evidently, this stems from the U.S. Edition using a revised text. The book was not originally published in the U.S. and by the time Lippincott procured the rights and released the book, this copy was/is considered a third edition of the text, but the First U.S. Edition.


This rare book has substantial wear, but because of its' rarity, is still in Highly Collectible condition!

The book appears gently read and has no internal writing, no remainder marks, no missing pages and is NOT ex-libris.

The binding is loose/damaged but still attached and holding tight.

The pages are still surprisingly crisp!


As to be somewhat expected from a book released in 1909, there is SUBSTANTIAL general/shelf/age wear!!!

Fading along the front cover affecting some of the letters.

Wear/damage/scuffs/marks to the cloth boards.

Fraying/wear/damage/rips/tears to the cloth boards, particularly along the top/bottom edges and the corners/extremities.

Marks/stains/damage to the inside front board/paper and the first, blank page.

Some scattered foxing/marks/stains.

Wear/marks/chipping to the edge/fore pages, especially egregious along the top edge, but NOT affecting the text which is still surprisingly clean!


The worst damage, in our opinion affects the spine/binding!!!

There is very visible separation/cracks/rips/tears along BOTH the front and rear boards!!!

While the book is still fully attached, there is extensive damage affecting the spine/binding connecting the cloth/boards to the pages/text.


We purposely and closely photographed these specific areas from different angles in an effort to FULLY capture the damage/wear.

We took numerous photos for your consideration/inspection and took into account all the damage when valuing/pricing this rare treasure.

The most egregious damage is present at the corners and the top/bottom edges/cloth/boards. These damaged areas were closely photographed for your consideration/inspection!



Please closely and carefully view ALL the pictures for further clarification and consider the damage/wear BEFORE buying!!!

Following the conclusion of the auction, payment must be received within three days or the book will be re-listed.

Please feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We are very proud of our 100% positive feedback/ranking and offer an easy, no questions asked return policy so you can bid with confidence! Thank you!