Essays First Series by R. W. Emerson Antique Victorian Red Embossed Cloth Book Self-Reliance Compensation Donohue Henneberry Chicago

Essays, First Series by R. W. Emerson, published in Chicago by Donohue, Henneberry & Company. The printing is undated and looks like the late 1890s or early 1900s. The binding is the draw. Deep red cloth is blind-embossed with two quatrefoil panels, each with a radiant star at its center, surrounded by leafy vines. A scrolled roll border runs along the spine edge. The spine is stamped in gilt: "ESSAYS BY EMERSON — FIRST SERIES," with a sunburst medallion below. It looks striking on a shelf or in a stack. The essays include "History," "Self-Reliance," "Compensation," "Spiritual Laws," "Love," "Friendship," "Prudence," and "Heroism." These are the essays where Emerson tells readers to trust themselves, that everything has its price, and that friendship is a gift to be earned. Provenance: The front free endpaper carries a bold ink signature, "Chas. T. Rowland," with a full calligraphic flourish beneath. Condition: Good decorative and reading copy with honest wear. Please see all photos. Cover: The red cloth is rubbed at the edges, with some fading. The back board is heavily mottled and worn. The corners are bumped. Spine: The head is chipped and frayed with a small loss of cloth. The gilt is bright and legible. Interior: The title page is torn along the left side, leaving a jagged edge, with the text intact. The margins of the contents leaf and the half-title page are chipped. The endpaper has a small corner chip, and there are a few creases. The page edges are toned. The text is complete and legible. From the Chapter & Vintage collection — old things, new chapters. Carefully packed and shipped with full insurance.