The May Queen.

TENNYSON, Alfred.

$3,000.00

Item Number: 144277

London: Sampson Low, Son, & Marston, 1868.

Presentation copy, later printing of Tennyson’s popular Victorian poem. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth elaborately decorated in gilt, all edges gilt, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed on the front free endpaper, “To Fanny Melville from her brother Herman April 1876 New York.” Presentation inscription likely in the hand of Melville’s wife. Herman Melville was born in New York City on August 1, 1819, to Allan Melvill (1782–1832)[3] and Maria (Gansevoort) Melvill (1791–1872). Herman was the third of eight children in a family of Scottish and Dutch descent. His siblings, who played important roles in his career as well as in his emotional life, were Gansevoort (1815–1846); Helen Maria (1817–1888); Augusta (1821–1876); Allan (1823–1872); Catherine (1825–1905); Frances Priscilla (1827–1885); and Thomas (1830–1884), who eventually became a governor of Sailors’ Snug Harbor. Part of a well-established and colorful Boston family, Allan Melvill spent much time out of New York and in Europe as a commission merchant and an importer of French dry goods. Allan declared bankruptcy in 1830 and died two years later, leaving Maria with eight children under the age of 17 and a pile of debt from loans and Allan’s unsuccessful businesses. Soon afterward, Maria added an “e” to their surname—perhaps to hide from collection agencies, although scholars are not sure exactly why. Later inscription to the pastedown, “To Miss Murray, In memory of P. F. M. July 1876.” Ownership inscription opposite the title page, “Fanny Melville Tuesday after Easter 1876 N.Y.” In fine condition. From the library of American bookseller and renowned Melville collector William S. Reese although not marked.