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VG+/None. First and only autographed editions of this grouping of 3 volumes from Mifflin's 22 volume autographed set limited to 500 numbered sets, this set being number 159. Publishers original smooth white woven cloth with paper label on spine with author's name, title and 'autographed edition' printed in black inside box borders printed in red. Each volume in the set contains a Photogravure frontispiece, vignette title, and additional B&W plates, all on India paper mounted, with the frontispiece in each volume signed by the artist. Both Vols 4 & 5 are signed by Smith, while Vol 16 is signed by FC Yohn with unsigned Smith plate on page 294. Descriptive tissue guards for all illustrations, and a printed limitation page behind the half title of each volume indicating this to be copy #159 of the set.This family authorized set of Hawthorne's was issued by Houghton Mifflin in 1900 in 3 versions - an 'autographed' set limited to 500 copies, a 'large paper' set limited to 500 copies, and an 'Old Manse' smaller sized trade edition. The autographed edition is by far the most desireable because it was signed not only by Hawthorne's daughter Rose Hawthorne Lathrop (in Volume 1), but each of the 22 volumes has their frontispiece hand signed in pencil by the artist. In all, 21 different artist's signatures are to be found in this veritable treasure trove of golden age illustrators and artists that include Childe Hassam, Howard Pyle, Jessie Willcox Smith, Edmund Garrett, Anna Whelan Betts, Sarah Stillwell, Eric Pape, E C Peixotto, Alice Barber Stephens (the only artist with signed frontispieces in 2 volumes), and numerous others. Leatherbound sets of the autographed edition can be found on the internet priced from $3,500 to $12,500, making it financially difficult for the collector of any individual artist to secure a copy of their scarce autograph.The 3 volumes offered here are the first 3 volumes in the Hawthorne set. They have been grouped together because they represent a logical combination that contains the autographed or non-autographed work of a significant group of Howard Pyle students (often referred to as Brandywine artists). The frontispiece to vol 4 is believed to be the only limited edition volume ever signed by Jessie Willcox Smith, as is are the Mary Ayers (vol 5) and F.C. Yohn (vol 16) signatures. In addition, illustrations by other artists including Frank B. Masters, Bertha Rockwell, Marion Peabody, Helen Kibbey, C.S. Chapman and others also appear in these 3 volumes. This set has been so grouped that one need to have to acquire any other of the remaining 19 volumes to have all of Smith's and Yohn's full contribution to the set. While the large paper limited edition is the same size as this set, it must be considered much the less desireable because it lacks the scarce artists' signatures.Volumes 4 and 5 also form a logical grouping since they comprise parts I and 2 of Hawthorne's longer and much appreciated work 'Mosses from an Old Manse'. The frontispiece in vol 4 is boldly signed in pencil by Jessie Willcox Smith, vol 5 is signed by Mary Ayer, and vol 16 is signed by F.C.Yohn. Volume 16 is included here because it contains the one other illustration which Jessie Willcox Smith contributed for this 22 volume work. It should also be noted that for some reason the pages after 354 in volume 5 are missing - whether this occurred at the publisher or they were torn out is not known. While this in no way harms the collectability of the illustrations and autographs, a facsimile of the remaining 6 pages of text will be provided the purchaser if they so desire.Truly a scarce and highly collectible group of Howard Pyle student signatures and illustrations.</p. Seller Inventory # 00747
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