Keziah Coffin, by Joseph C. Lincoln, (RARE, Grosset & Dunlap Edition, Illustrated), 1909 📜⚓️🇺🇸

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare antique edition of Keziah Coffin by the American author Joseph C. Lincoln, published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1909.

This novel encapsulates Lincoln's signature charm and authentic portrayal of New England life, accompanied by eight illustrations from Wallace Morgan.

This book is a premier acquisition for any serious collector of early 20th-century regional fiction and Americana.

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2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Keziah Coffin tells the story of a strong-willed and independent woman living in a quaint Cape Cod town. The narrative focuses on Keziah's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the social dynamics and personal challenges within her close-knit community.

Lincoln's portrayal of Keziah emphasizes her resilience and quiet determination, highlighting her ability to overcome adversity while maintaining her sense of self. Through authentic dialogue and vivid descriptions, the novel explores themes of family bonds, the spirit of community, and the tenacity of its protagonist.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️✨

Joseph C. Lincoln was a prolific and widely popular American author, celebrated for his novels almost exclusively set in the distinctive landscape of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

He was a master of authentically capturing the unique dialect, the quintessential character, and the quirks of Cape Cod residents, creating humorous and deeply resonant stories that captivated a wide and devoted audience.

His numerous works solidified his reputation as the quintessential chronicler of Cape Cod life. Lincoln's ability to craft both humorous and heartwarming tales about small-town life earned him a dedicated and loyal readership, solidifying his enduring reputation as a beloved chronicler of Cape Cod's charm.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

The publication of this book in 1909 by Grosset & Dunlap reflects a publishing trend of the era: making popular works available to a mass market in attractive, affordable editions. The illustrations by Wallace Morgan and the decorative binding were used to appeal to a broad readership.

This particular copy is elevated by a unique piece of provenance: a bookstore tag from Paul Elder & Co. of San Francisco, a known publisher and bookseller. This tangible link to a specific historical bookseller makes this a rare artifact for collectors of book art, Americana, and New England literature.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This 1909 edition of Keziah Coffin is a core acquisition for a collector building a focused library on early 20th-century American regional literature and Americana. 

The presence of the bookstore tag from Paul Elder & Co. of San Francisco adds a unique layer of historical provenance, connecting this specific copy to a past owner and a historical bookseller.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This 1909 edition of Keziah Coffin is a genuinely scarce asset.

The book is 116 years old, having survived a century of history. Its value is overwhelmingly driven by its market scarcity, its historical importance, and its striking decorative pictorial binding. This is a premium asset for a discerning collector.

The book's attractive decorative binding, with its Art Nouveau-inspired designs, is a beautiful example of the book art of its time, making it a highly appealing display piece.

What truly elevates this copy is the historical bookstore tag, which transforms the book into a tangible piece of publishing and bookselling history, reflecting the journey of a book across the continent. This non-replicable asset holds value that far exceeds a standard reprint.

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This book is a used hardcover edition with a decorative pictorial binding.

• Binding: The binding shows visible wear consistent with its age, including rubbing, scuffing, and some discoloration to the boards. The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.

• Pages: The pages are age-toned but remain clear and legible.

• Structural Integrity: The binding is tight and sound, ensuring the book's structural integrity.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Joseph C. Lincoln was a prolific author, writing over 40 novels and countless short stories.

• Lincoln's book, The Old Home House, was originally published in 1907. It's a series of stories about the owner of an old home on Cape Cod.

• Wallace Morgan, the illustrator of this book, was a celebrated American illustrator known for his work in magazines and books.

• The bookstore tag from Paul Elder & Co. of San Francisco is a unique piece of provenance, connecting this specific copy to a historical bookseller. Paul Elder & Co. was known for publishing high-quality, artistically designed books during the early 20th century.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Keziah Coffin

• Author/Maker: Joseph C. Lincoln

• Year: 1909

• Publisher/Foundry: Grosset & Dunlap

• Place of Origin: New York, USA

• Illustrator: Wallace Morgan

• Format/Binding: Hardcover with decorative pictorial binding

• Edition: Grosset & Dunlap Edition

• Rarity: Rare

• Transcription: The handwritten inscription reads: “50.” A bookstore tag is on the back endpaper, which reads: “Paul Elder & Co, San Francisco.”