"HIS MOST DISTINCTIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE LITERATURE OF HIS TIME"

LOWELL, James Russell. The Biglow Papers. Second Series. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1867. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter navy morocco, elaborately gilt-decorated spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. $350.

First edition, first issue, of this collection of satirical verse about the Civil War, handsomely bound by Riviere & Son.

Written in entirely in verse, in Yankee dialect, this work strives to highlight the horrors of slavery and the Civil War while mocking some of the self-righteousness and lack of self-reflection on the part of Northerners. "Out of all the writings of James Russell Lowell, the two series of Biglow Papers, joining wit, highly skillful writing, and a passionate devotion to liberty and country, may be regarded as his most distinctive contribution to the literature of his time" (DAB). BAL 13126.

Expert paper repair to half title, joints expertly repaired. A handsome copy.