145 - Cooper (James Fenimore) The Water Witch; or the Skimmer of the Seas. A Tale, 3 vol. in 1, first edition, half-title to vol. 2 only, lacking half-titles to vol. 1 & 3, scattered spotting or foxing and a few stains, contemporary half calf, spine darkened, a few neat repairs and restorations to extremities, joints showing signs of splitting, rubbed and bumped, modern cloth slip-case, [BAL 3845], 12mo, Dresden, for Walther, 1830.

Cooper (James Fenimore) The Water Witch; or the Skimmer of the Seas. A Tale, 3 vol. in 1, first edition, half-title to vol. 2 only, lacking half-titles to vol. 1 & 3, scattered spotting or foxing and a few stains, contemporary half calf, spine darkened, a few neat repairs and restorations to extremities, joints showing signs of splitting, rubbed and bumped, modern cloth slip-case, [BAL 3845], 12mo, Dresden, for Walther, 1830. *** An exceptionally rare first edition, with only around ten recorded copies surviving. This sea tale, set in early New York, was largely written during his time in Italy. Cooper is understood to have attempted publication in Rome; however, the narrative—centred on the abduction of the spirited Alida de Barberie by seemingly supernatural pirates—was reportedly deemed unsuitable by papal censors.