Nile Notes of a Howadji. New York: Harper and Brothers. 1851.
First edition. Original green cloth, gilt illustration and lettering at front cover. Author's first book and travel narrative of his journey into the Levant from 1846-1850. This copy inscribed and signed by the author at front free endpaper "for Charles Eames, Esq. (Nashville Union) with compliments of the author." Also includes a handwritten letter signed by Curtis to Eames with original New York Tribune envelope tipped to front pastedown. The letter is four pages, one large sheet folded and includes excellent literary and travel content. Curtis discusses the reception of his book by the critics, citing Leah Hunt and Washington Irving and his dismay at the negative reviews given by religious weekly editors for "sundry passages". Curtis continues in his letter to express his interest in two books due to be out by Charles Kingsley and Bayard Taylor as well as other literary ramblings. Charles Eames, the receiver of this inscribed volume was a government diplomat as well as a newspaper editor. In 1845 he was appointed by President Polk to be commissioner to the Sandwich Islands. In 1850 he returned and edited the Nashville Union for six months, after which he edited The Washington Union. After several years of journalism, he was appointed minister to Venezuela by President Pierce, and remained there until 1857, when he resigned and returned to Washington, where he practiced his profession until his death. During the last five years of his life, he attained a high reputation as an admiralty lawyer and for his knowledge of international law. Very Good copy, spine cloth sunned and worn down at ends, some foxing to pages.
Price: $500.00