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Bolanyo, a Novel by Opie Read (RARE, First Edition, First Printing, Maxfield Parrish Cover), 1897 📜✍️🎨

Name: Bolanyo, a Novel by Opie Read (RARE, First Edition, First Printing, Maxfield Parrish Cover), 1897 📜✍️🎨
Brand: Wall Antiques
Price: 1350.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1,350.00

Oferta Agotado

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is an exceedingly rare and a foundational work of American regional literature, Bolanyo, a Novel by Opie Read.

Published in 1897 by Way & Williams, this book is a cultural artifact that marks a pivotal intersection of late-Victorian literature with the dawn of a new era of artistic book design. Its value is not only in its scarcity but also in its striking cover art by a young Maxfield Parrish, who would become a master of American illustration.

It is a unique cultural artifact that bridges the gap between regional fiction and fine art.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Bolanyo is a novel by the American author and journalist Opie Read, a master of regional fiction whose works were celebrated for their authentic portrayal of life in the American South.

The book tells the story of a determined young man named Maurice Belford, a struggling actor who finds himself amidst personal and professional turmoil. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, camaraderie, and the complexities of artistic expression, all rooted in the rich tapestry of Southern life. The novel vividly depicts the social dynamics and cultural nuances of the post-Reconstruction South.

The book's striking cover art is a key feature of this edition, created by the celebrated artist Maxfield Parrish.

The "yellow pictorial binding" is a sought-after piece for collectors of Parrish's early work, showcasing the whimsical and dapper style that would eventually make him one of the most famous illustrators of his generation.
The book stands as an important example of the artistic and intellectual ferment of the late-Victorian era, a time when book design was becoming a new art form.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️

Opie Read (1852-1939) was a noted American author and journalist who was celebrated for his novels and short stories that depicted the intricacies of life in the American South. He was a master of regional dialect and customs, and his literary work was highly popular in its day.

The book's cover was created by the celebrated artist Maxfield Parrish (1870-1966), a painter and illustrator active in the first half of the 20th century.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1897, Bolanyo emerged at a time of immense social and cultural change in the United States. This period saw a rise in American regionalism, where authors like Read sought to capture and preserve the distinct cultures and social issues of various American regions. The book's setting in the post-Reconstruction South provides a unique and valuable perspective on the social and racial dynamics of the era.

The book's publication also occurred during a period of great innovation in book design.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is a perfect fit for a curator of American regional literature, a scholar of late-Victorian book design, or a private collector of fine and historically significant first editions. The volume's unique cover art by Maxfield Parrish makes it a definitive document from a specific period.

It appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of American history, publishing, and the traditions of book design.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1897 first edition, first printing of Bolanyo is a genuinely rare find due to its specific historical importance and its unique cover art. The scarcity of a well-preserved copy with the delicate pictorial cover intact is a key factor in its value, as many were lost or damaged over time.

The book's value is overwhelmingly driven by the fact that the cover was designed by a young Maxfield Parrish, a future master of American illustration. This book is a non-replicable asset, holding value that far exceeds a standard reprint.

The price is a direct reflection of its scarcity and its documented place in the history of American publishing and art.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a genuine and handsome survivor, showing authentic wear consistent with a book from the late 19th century.

Binding: The publisher's decorative cloth binding is in good condition, but shows some light rubbing and scuffing, particularly along the spine and edges.
Cover Art: The pictorial cover art by Maxfield Parrish is still vibrant, though it shows some expected discoloration.
Interior: The pages show some expected toning and minor foxing, which is a natural process for paper from this period.
Structural Integrity: The text block is firm and sound. The interior pages are clean, and all pages are present. The book has no major tears or markings.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains a unique inscription that provides a direct and personal connection to the item's history. This element transforms the volume from a collectible book into a singular historical artifact.

The inscription reads: "Allan M. Parrish H. 100.- Maxfield Parrish covers - no work".
The presence of this inscription, from an early collector of Maxfield Parrish’s work, is a crucial finding. It documents the book's journey to a specific individual who was knowledgeable enough to distinguish between a Parrish cover and a book with interior Parrish illustrations.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

Maxfield Parrish, who designed the cover art for this book, was a prolific and celebrated artist whose work was so popular that he was a household name for decades. His art could be found in everything from calendars to advertisements.
The book's publisher, Way & Williams, was a Chicago-based publishing house that was known for its high-quality literary works and its commitment to artistic book design. Their work was a key part of the American Arts and Crafts movement.