3 volumes in 1. xii, 207; [iv], 292; [iv], 250, [1] pp. Half-titles to each volume present, imprint leaf at end of Volume 3. (12mo) 16.5x10.3 cm. (6½x4"), period half calf and marbled boards, vellum spine label lettered in gilt, rebacked with modern brown cloth, original calf spine laid down. First Edition.

One of the exceptional rarities in American literature, the true first, Dresden edition of "Water-Witch." According to our research fewer than 25 copies of this edition are recorded as having survived. The novel was published in London on October 14th, 1830 and in Philadelphia on December 11th. The original contract between Cooper and Walther dated in May of 1830 is in the Early American Fiction Collection at UVA. Two small oval ink stamps on first title page from the Graf Yorck collection. This copy also bears traces of pink wrappers on the half-titles of the second and third volumes, possibly the original binding. BAL 3845 (locating only one copy).