posted on December 29, 2002 02:58:22 PM new
I just found an interesting book that I can't find much information about. The name of the book is "Pretty Polly Pemberton" by Frances H. Burnett (author of Secret Garden and Little Princess). It was published in 1877 by Hurst & Company. The copyright is held by T.B. Peterson & Brothers. I was hoping that someone might have knowledge of this book or some good suggestions on how I can find out more about it. From the searches I've done already, I understand that 1877 was the first year that any of Frances H. Burnett had any novels published. I have also found two copies of this book title in the Library of Congress... but they had different copyright dates/publishers. Anyhow... any help researching this book would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time and efforts.
It looks like a very rare book. Nice find. There must be sources on the Net for finding the value of this book. Perhaps a rare book auction house or similar?
posted on December 29, 2002 03:12:17 PM new
tooltimes... thanks for the response. Yup, that was one of the pages I found. I'm wondering if this might have been one of the "unauthorized" editions that was published. I just wish I knew more about its origins. I'll definately check some of those links you posted!
posted on December 29, 2002 03:22:09 PM new
checked Barnes and Noble and they don't have any of those books but--
1st edition of Secret Garden $1,500.00
You probably have a real treasure.......Good find.
posted on December 30, 2002 07:29:34 AM new
Well... the research continues... first of all, thanks for all your replies. I think I might be making some progress. I've sent an auction house that specializes in books (thanks to tooltimes PBA galleries link!) a description of the book and am awaiting a reply. I also found a database called the RLG Union Catalog which is supposed to have listings of all the major libraries in the nation... as well as some international. Upon searching the database, I didn't find any published by Hurst & Company in 1877.... but I did find three listings that had T.B. Peterson listed as the publisher. These books were in the Library of Congress, Harvard and Duke libraries. Since my book has the copyright held by Peterson... it is my guess that these may be the same books. So...at this point, I may see if the librarians at those libraries might have any information that they can share with me. I thank you all again for your help... and if anyone has any more suggestions to make, please let me know! Thanks!
posted on December 30, 2002 09:37:54 AM new
From the Pocket Guide to the Identification of First Editions compiled by Bill McBride
Hurst & Co.: All are reprints of other publishers' originals; no designation.
In other words, Hurst is a reprint house and the book is not a first edition. Also, is the published date 1877, or is it the copyright date?
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