The Man Without A Country

Boston: Ticknor And Fields, 1865. First edition. leather_bound. Later full black morocco, spine lettered in gilt, rebacked. Teg. Very good. 23 pages. 16.5 x 11 cm. The story of an American Army lieutenant Philip Nolan, who renounces his country during a trial for treason and is consequently sentenced to spend the rest of his day as sea without so much as a word of news about the United States. The story was first published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1863 to bolster support for the Union Army during the Civil War. Hale's tale was so convincing many readers believed it to be a true story. Laid-in an ALS written and signed in pencil by Edward E. Hale on "Soldiers Memorial Society" of Boston stationery. Hale's name appears on the latter as "Secretary." General C.G. Loring, Jr, a Confederate General during the Civil War is on the masthead as Chairman Executive Committee. Bookplates of John Gribbel St. Austell Hall, and Warwick James Price (color engraving) front cover pastedown, inner dentelles, double gilt cover border fillets, marbled endpapers.