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With a Fine Inscription

 

[BARNUM, P.T.]. The Life of P.T. Barnum. Written by Himself. New York: Redfield, 1855. 1st ed. 8vo. 404 pp., plus ads. Frontis. & other illus. Orig. cloth, spine faded. Very tight. A fine copy. $1,500.00

 

First edition of Barnum's autobiography. In a note, DAB reports: "Barnum published his Life...(1855), as part of his prolific advertising. Thereafter it was often revised, reprinted, and continued to date. It is generally accurate in matters of fact..."

Inscribed in ink on the front endpaper: "Presented to/ Mrs. W.W. Hill/ Dec. 13, 1854; one day 'before it was published.'/ P.S./ Presented by the/ Author."