"Malaeska' first printing, serialized in "The Ladies' Companion"
New York: William W. Snowden, 1837-1840. Hardcover. The first printing of what was to become the first "dime novel" is included here, Ann S. Stephens 'Malaeska' (February, March and April 1839). This serial was later printed in Beadle & Adams's Beadle Dime Novels series in 1860; this the first printing, in the Ladies' Companion for 1839. The Grolier Club listed the work as the most influential book of the year.
In 1860 Irwin P. Beadle & Co. paid Ann Stephens $250 for the right to reprint 'Malaeska' as the very first Beadle's Dime Novel. Soon, according to Madeleine B. Stern, "300,000 copies were said to have been sold—perhaps as many as half a million copies in the various reprints. As a bestseller and a watershed publication in the history of the mass-marketing of literature, Malaeska has long had a place as at least a footnote in American literary history, as well as a place in the history of the literature of the American frontier. Most recently, Malaeska has attracted particular critical attention for its engagement with the theme of Indian-White miscegenation". (From the Periodical Archives: Ann S. Stephens's "The Jockey Cap"—The First Version of "Malaeska". American Periodicals: A Journal of History & Criticism, The Ohio State University Press. Volume 18, Number 1, 2008, pp. 101-106. 10.1353/amp.2008.0008).
A Monthly Magazine Embracing Every Department of Literature. Vols VIII (November 1837) - XIII (October 1840). Six volumes bound in three, a total of 36 issues, from November of 1837 through October of 1840, with numerous full page steel engravings including fashion plates. 8vo. Vol VIII & IX: frontispiece, engraved half title, pp3-300; IV, pp3-308. Vols X & XI: frontispiece, [II]pp, pp3-296; frontispiece, IV, pp3-300. Vols XII & XIII: frontispiece, IV, pp3-296; frontispiece, IV, pp3-308. Three quarter black leather and brown buckram boards; owner named "J. A. Prior" embossed in gilt at front boards. Corners and spine ends slightly rubbed. Internally, even toning to the plates, otherwise bright and clean. Very good condition. Item #24232
Price: $450.00