Author: James Whitcomb Riley
Title: An Old Sweetheart of Mine
Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill - Indianapolis
Edition: Ca. 1903 -  Early Printing
 
Description: A near fine copy of James Whitcomb Riley's; "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," beautifully rebound in red leather, signed, inscribed and dated by the author on the blank preliminary page. This is a very early edition with the Bobbs-Merrill name to the title page. The first printing was by Bowen-Merrill in 1902 and the company changed its name just a year later in 1903 to Bobbs-Merrill. 8vo. Unpaginated 9 1/8 x 7 with gilt topstain. Rebound in full red leather using the original front board title and spine label, endpapers refreshed, and signatures tightened. Autographic Condition: Fine Book Condition:  A near fine and extremely collectible book with just some minor toning to a few pages and some light wear to a few page corner tips.  An Old Sweetheart of Mine is a book-length sentimental love poem with renowned illustrator Howard Chandler Christy creating nearly 30 original full page original illustrations and featuring additional decorations by artist Virginia Keep. Riley has inscribed the book on one of the front free end pages; "To Col. and Mrs. Daniel M. Randall - With grateful esteem of their old friend and neighbor, James Whitcomb Riley" - Dated January 15 - 1910 Indianapolis. Riley has also added a short verse from the book beneath the inscription that reads; "Where  the vines are ever fruited and the weather ever fine!"
 
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