#autographed copy

[hallelujahyoungandloaded]

the autographed copy of killjoys i own, btw :3

[green-blue-heller]

You can order an autographed copy of Misha’s book!

[msuprovenance]

Reveries of a Bachelor

Though very few modern readers would recognize the name of Donald Grant Mitchell, his collection of sentimental vignettes, Reveries of a Bachelor (written under the pseudonym “Ik Marvel”) was one of the most popular novels of the Victorian era. It was a favorite of Emily Dickinson, and has even been compared to Uncle Tom’s Cabin in its popularity and influence. 

Aside from serving as U.S. consul to Venice from 1853 to 1854, Mitchell (1822-1908) spent much of his career writing at Edgewood, his estate near New Haven, Connecticut. Portions of Reveries of a Bachelor first appeared in the Southern Literary Messenger in 1849, and then in 1850 it was published in book form, going through dozens of editions in the following decades. Excerpts were even reprinted by insurance companies and the makers of tonic medicines to be distributed to potential customers.

The text itself is divided into four “reveries” in which a bachelor contemplates boyhood, marriage, country life, travel, and even the phenomenon of dreaming itself. Chapters include “Smoke – signifying doubt,” “Blaze – signifying cheer,” and “Ashes – signifying desolation.”

We were fortunate enough to have recently acquired a fascinating copy of the 1886 New York edition of Reveries of a Bachelor. Our copy was originally purchased in 1887 by Clifford Julius King (1865-1910), an Ohio attorney who practiced in Ashtabula (as King did not marry until 1891, he was still a bachelor himself when he bought the book). King had more than just a passing interest in books, as he was a member of the Rowfant Club, an organization for bibliophiles founded in 1892 in Cleveland and still active today.

King is presumably responsible for several other characteristics that make this copy stand out. First is a signed letter by Mitchell, perhaps written to King, pasted into the volume along with two portraits of the author. The letter reads:

My dr. Sir –

I have yr favor of 2nd inst to send you the autograph you ask for: I am too old a man to make engagements far from home.

Yrs vry truly, Dond. G. Mitchell 

Edgewood 4th Novr. 1891

Additionally, an artist known only by the initials B.K.C. has contributed numerous pen and ink wash illustrations to this copy, some of which bear an 1887 date. In total, there are seven full-page images, 17 head and tail vignettes, and 73 marginal illustrations. These drawings really bring Mitchell’s text alive, and the marginal vignettes especially heighten the dream-like aspect of the book, depicting subjects such as a hand lighting a lamp, a foot entering a shoe, or the floating head of a woman.

Though it is not explicitly stated, it is likely that Clifford Julius King, due to his bibliophilic interests, was responsible for embellishing this copy by collecting the Mitchell paraphernalia and assembling it together with the illustrated text. The result is a copy of Reveries of a Bachelor that is truly unique — and truly special!

http://catalog.lib.msu.edu/record=b12953883~S39a

[notes-from-sarah]

I actually had a chance to meet Brian Jacques at a book signing many years ago. This is my old and beaten up copy of Mariel of Redwall which is one of my most treasured possessions.

Does anyone else in the fandom have an autographed book? If so I’d love to see pics :)

[sposdollarbingems]

Elmo Whiggett - July 26 (Autographed Copy) [1978]

[heartsoundslikelove]

Postcards to Herself - A Prose Poetry Novella by Laura Stamps

Now is the time to get your Autographed copy of Postcards to Herself! Laura Stamps has copies ready to mail out to you. To get your copy, Email [email protected] Officially to be released on March 31, Postcards to Herself is another sweet read. This is your chance to get a copy with that personal touch. Personally, I think this book would make a great gift!

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[palephx]

Well, he was fun while he lasted.

Sorry, @wilwheaton

[dramamomma56]

It’s Cyber Monday Everyday at Dramamommaspeaks.com

Are you beginning to think about purchasing gifts for the up coming holidays? Do you have a reader in mind? I bet they’d love a book with the author’s autograph. Do I have the deal for you! We are now on Etsy.com where I am only selling autographed copies. For the same price as I would sell the book at a festival or book talk, I will sign your book for FREE. Go to…

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