The Life of Hernando Cortes
London: Bell and Daldy [Printed at the Chiswick Press], 1871. From the Bart Auerbach Collection. 2 volumes, 8vo. Original dark brown cloth, blocked in black and gilt. Spines a touch darkened, some very slight wear. Small hole in the front free endpaper of vol. 2, probably the result of moving Carlyle's bookplate from that spot, where it was mistakenly placed, to the inside front cover; nevertheless, an agreeable copy. Item #409153
First edition. The dedication copy to Carlyle, with his bookplate in each volume and with an autograph letter signed from Helps to him (in the original envelope which is tipped onto the front free endpaper of vol. 1). The letter, 3 pages, 8vo, on Privy Council Office stationery (Helps was Clerk), dated 3 April 1871, reads: "My dear Carlyle, I send herewith a copy of a book which I have taken the liberty of dedicating to you. You must therefore, receive it very kindly, and be blind, or at least blind as you can, to its many faults. If one cannot rely upon one's Dedicatee as a partial friend (I hate your impartial people and do not believe in them) whom can one rely upon? Yours always, Arthur Helps."
The printed dedication is in the form of a 6 ½-page dedicatory letter: "Dedication. / My Dear Carlyle, I dedicate this Life of Cortes to you. And I cannot content myself by making a simple dedication, but must write a letter...I dedicate this work to you, because I desire an occasion to record my gratitude for all your kindness to me in times past... I have also an author's, as well as a friend's reasons for this dedication." Sir Arthur Helps (1813-1875) had been associated with Carlyle on the founding committee for the London Library. With Carlyle's bookplate. (BA).
Price: $1,500.00