Over the Teacups, Oliver Wendell Holmes
First edition, presentation copy, inscribed by Holmes on the flyleaf with the last stanza of his poem The Last Leaf. Laid is in an addressed envelope in Holmes' hand to famed American botanist Asa Gray.
Boston: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1891. Second state with Over the Teacups priced at $1.50 in the ads facing the title page. Original green cloth with gilt-stamped titles and decorations, top edge gilt; pp. (ii), 319pp, [3]. Light shelfwear near boards with a small pinhole to cloth near spine crown, a few minor stains to covers. Hinges starting but still secured. Bookplates to front pastedown are over several bookseller catalogue descriptions and a poem, brief catalogue description of this volume tipped in to rear endpaper. Recipient's name blotted out in the inscription, bled through to the first second blank, foxing to endpapers. Housed in a custom two-part cloth slipcase with leather spine label titled in gilt. Shows a bit of wear and light fraying. A presentable copy.