CATHER, WILLA

My Antonia

Boston: Houghton, Mifflin, 1918. First Edition of the author’s widely acknowledged masterpiece. The plates are in the first state; front hinge cracked; rear hinge mended, but overall very nearly fine; in a custom, brown quarter-morocco slipcase and chemise. The first printing comprised 3500 copies, of which about 2500 were issued with the plates in the first state, printed on coated paper. Cather was meticulous in her specifications for the book’s production, commissioning W.T. Benda to do the illustrations. Particularly concerned that the illustrations be at their proper places in the book, she also insisted that they were to be printed on the same paper as the text. Displeased with the production and promotion of this book, Cather left Houghton, Mifflin for Knopf, which remained her publisher for the rest of her career. All books described as first editions are first printings unless otherwise noted.

[Book #1674]

Price: $1,250.00