Scarce Group of Early Dime Novels

(BEADLE & CO.). A Group of Thirteen of the first Eighteen Titles (plus the Prospectus for #17) in Beadle's famous Dime Novel series, plus the only volume issued in the proposed Half-Dime Novellette series. Together, 14 volumes in three. Most contain a frontispiece. New York: Irving R. Beadle & Co. [or, simply, Beadle & Co.], [1860-61]. 12 mo. Each 64 to 128 pp. Contemporary one-half calf, lightly rubbed, but entirely sound; "Dime Novels" stamped in gilt on spine. Light, scattered foxing. $750.00

Johannsen: Dime Novels, Nos. 1,2,4,5,7,8,10,12,14-18, plus the separately paginated (6 pp.) prospectus for # 17; Half-Dime Novellettes 1. The first series appears to be slightly later printings, as the sheets are slightly shorter as per Johannsen (p. 80). As he points out, all early printings in this famous series are very scarce. There are no printed wrappers present. The most famous, Ann S. Stephens' Malaeska (Grolier 70) is present with a frontispiece. Myrtle, the Child of the Prairies, by Rose Kennedy, the single title published in the Half-Dime Novellette series, is very rare.