New York: Rinehart & Co., (1949).
Price: $5,000.00
Hardcover. Twelfth printing. New introduction by the author. Illustrated with photographs by William A. Bradford and others. Corners a bit bumped, near fine in an about fine dustwrapper with a very short tear. Warmly Inscribed by the author: "For George Swetman Esq. with the profound affection of his old friend and colleague. Henry Beston." A nature classic that captures the essence of place and that continues to endure, this copy comes with a wonderful eight page (both sides of four octavo leaves) Autograph Letter Signed twice by Beston on his Chimney Farm stationery to Mrs. Swetman sending the book, and explaining the creation of the book. In small part: "I wrote it a few years after I had emerged from War I. Being still sick at heart with this vast political massacre of the young by the young, I went as far as I could go to the world of nature and wonder, and just sat quiet awhile like the Bhudda under the Bo tree. After a while a religious sense of acceptance and peace possessed me, a sense I have never lost. After marriage, I bought from relatives the farm we now occupy, where I live very happily with my attendant bears, the chief of whom is my famous 'Oswald', an enchanting bear who on autumn nights is given permission to sleep by the open fire." Beston goes on to describe his life in Maine, and his upcoming trip to stay on a Maine island with a friend whose "occupation is the collaring of poor, innocent lobsters. I weep for them as the walrus wept for the oyster." With original envelope. A wonderful letter.
Item #347882
