HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850.

HAWTHORNE, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Ticknor, Reed, and Fields, 1850.

A bright copy of the first edition of Hawthorne's masterwork. In spite of its controversial subject matter, The Scarlet Letter was an immediate success, selling 2,500 copies within its first week of publication and lifting Hawthorne out of literary obscurity. With all points called for by the bibliographer and advertisements dated March 1, 1850. BAL 7600; Clark A16.1.

Octavo (180 x 115mm). Title printed in red and black. Original brown blind-embossed cloth stamped in gilt (very minor expert restoration to tail of spine); in a custom half morocco slipcase.