Virginibus Puerisque and Other Papers. [with] Letters to Dead Authors.

STEVENSON, Robert Louis; Andrew Lang. [Bazett Michael Haggard].

$7,500.00

Item Number: 147617

New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1893.

Limited editions of Stevenson’s Virginibus Puerisque and Lang’s Letters to Dead Authors, presented by Stevenson with three inscriptions to close friend in Samoa, Bazett Michael Haggard. Octavo, two volumes in the publisher’s original white parchment-backed blue boards with gilt-lettered blue paper spine labels, tissue-guarded engraved frontispiece to each volume, untrimmed and partially uncut. This edition, printed on Holland paper, is limited to two hundred and twelve copies, of which this is number 6. Housed in a custom white satin over board slipcase, which includes hand-decoration and a manuscript poem signed by Stevenson. Presentation copy, with both volumes and the slipcase inscribed by Robert Louis Stevenson to Bazett Michael Haggard. Virginibus Puerisque is a presentation copy, inscribed by Robert Louis Stevenson on the blank limitation leaf recto, “My dear Bazett, For nearly four years we have lived together in Samoa. It has been a time to try a man; and in war and peace, among intrigues and calamities, I have had a friend at my back, not less true than he was wise in council. To that friend, I send my Christmas greeting! Yours with genuine affection Robert Louis Stevenson. Vailima Samoa, Christmas 1893.” Letters to Dead Authors is a presentation copy, inscribed by Robert Louis Stevenson on the half-title page, “Bazett Michael Haggard from Robert Louis Stevenson Xmas 1893.” The custom slipcase  has the recipient’s name hand-lettered in block letters and is inscribed and signed “from Robert Louis Stevenson” on one side, and is decorated with a hand-lettered manuscript poem by Stevenson on the other, “B. M. H. Lang and I arose and donned our Sunday best, With a satin mantle and a vellum vest, When to visit Bazett gaily off we set, Such a pair of dandies  sure you never met. R. L. S. Vailima Samoa Christmas 1893.” Above the poem is a hand-painted floral spray painted and signed by Teuila [Mrs. Strong]. The recipient, Bazett Michael Haggard was a British colonial official stationed in Samoa during the late 19th century. He served as the British Consul in the region, playing a key role in navigating the complex political tensions between colonial powers and Samoan leaders. Haggard developed a professional relationship with Robert Louis Stevenson, who was living in Samoa at the time and deeply engaged in local politics and culture. While Stevenson was critical of the colonial administration’s handling of Samoan affairs, Haggard respected the writer’s insight and advocacy for the Samoan people. Their interactions were marked by mutual regard, despite differences in perspective, with Stevenson often providing sharp critiques of colonial practices in works such as A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa, which likely intersected with Haggard’s diplomatic efforts in the region. In near fine condition, with the slipcase in very good condition. A very unique set.

First published in 1881, Virginibus Puerisque contains a collection of essays by Robert Louis Stevenson exploring themes of youth, love, marriage, and the human condition with a blend of wit, charm, and philosophical insight. The title, Latin for "For Maidens and Youths," reflects the essays' focus on the trials and joys of young adulthood and the moral and emotional complexities of relationships. The essays, often marked by humor and sharp observations, reflected Stevenson’s humanistic outlook and thoughtful engagement with life’s fleeting yet significant moments. Virginibus Puerisque was one of Stevenson’s early achievements as an essayist, establishing his reputation for insightful and expressive prose.