1886 - Caps and Bells, First Edition| Inscribed With 19th-Century Love Poem to “Miss Ethel”

2025-05-15T08:13:10-04:00

Price: 85.00

**Provenance – This copy bears a poignant 1887 inscription: a handwritten poem addressed to “Miss Ethel, most beautiful and most bewitching,” penned in brown ink across two pages. The intimate verses reflect personal admiration and Victorian sentiment, offering a touching glimpse into the private affections of a past owner.

Cap and Bells by Samuel Minturn Peck (First Edition, 1886)
Published by White, Stokes & Allen, New York

This scarce first edition of Cap and Bells marks the debut poetry collection of Samuel Minturn Peck—later named Alabama’s first Poet Laureate. Published in 1886, the volume features 86 lyrical poems known for their grace, charm, and wit. Peck’s style of vers de société—light, elegant verse—captivated 19th-century readers with its gentle humor and refined musings on love, beauty, and social life.

Bound in its original cloth. Beveled boards. Illustrated jester vignette and gilt lettering. Gilt top edges. Rough cut side edges. Light wear to edges; binding sound. Binding tight. Neat long inscription to front. 164pp.

Condition: Very good.

Size: 4 1/4” x 6 1/4”

This edition is a significant piece of Southern literary history and a wonderful addition to any fine poetry collection.