The Pursuit of the House-Boat by John Kendrick Bangs (First Edition, Illustrated, Rare), 1897 👻🕵️📜

1. Introduction 👻🕵️📜 This is a First Edition of The Pursuit of the House-Boat by John Kendrick Bangs. Published in 1897 by Harper & Brothers, the book is a satirical tale that continues the adventures of "Associated Shades," a group of deceased literary figures, led by Sherlock Holmes. The volume is an example of American satire and literary parody.

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2. About the Book/Object 📖✍️✨ The Pursuit of the House-Boat is a satirical tale that continues the story of the "Associated Shades." The narrative is a blend of mystery, satire, and literary parody. The book is noted for its use of literary allusions and features illustrations that complement the text.

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3. About the Artist/Author/Maker ✍️🏛️ John Kendrick Bangs was an American author and satirist. His works often combined humor with fantasy. This book is also notable for its illustrations by Peter Newell, a celebrated American artist and writer. Newell’s work is known for its inventive and whimsical style.

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜 Published in 1897, this book is a product of the Gilded Age in America. The book’s popularity was a direct result of the era’s cultural values, which placed an emphasis on self-improvement, hard work, and domestic piety. The book is an example of the kind of well-bound and handsomely printed volumes that were popular during this period.

The book’s appeal is also rooted in the rise of popular literary figures like Sherlock Holmes. The volume serves as an example of how authors of the period engaged with and parodied existing cultural icons in their works. Its illustrations and aesthetic appeal are a direct reflection of American bookmaking from the late 19th century.

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️ This book is for a collector who specializes in American satire, literary history, or Sherlockiana. It is suited for a library that focuses on the Gilded Age and the way literary figures were used in fiction during the period.

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️ This is a First Edition of a work from the late 19th century. The book is 128 years old, having survived over a century. Its value is enhanced by the illustrations from Peter Newell and its unique association with the Sherlock Holmes character, which makes it a valuable item for collectors of "Sherlockiana."

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

• The binding is a pictorial cloth.

• The binding shows authentic wear consistent with its age, including rubbing and scuffing, and some discoloration.

• The pages have some expected discoloration and foxing.

• The text and illustrations remain clear and readable.

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• This volume is an example of a "crossover" collectible, appealing to collectors of rare books, literary history, and Americana.

• The book's unique association with the Sherlock Holmes character makes it a key item for collectors of "Sherlockiana."

• The volume contains a handwritten inscription from a prior owner.

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: The Pursuit of the House-Boat

• Author: John Kendrick Bangs

• Illustrator: Peter Newell

• Year: 1897

• Publisher: Harper & Brothers

• Place of Origin: New York

• Edition: First Edition

• Format: Hardcover, Pictorial Binding
  

  Transcription of inscription:

  • On the front endpaper, a handwritten inscription reads: "B.B.B."