The Autocrat at the Breakfast Table (signed by Oliver W. Holmes)

First Edition. BAL State B, lacking illustrations. Inscribed by Holmes on the front free endpaper. Very rare thus. Overall very good in publishers beveled terra-cotta, pebble, embossed cloth. All edges gilt. Tear and chipping to head and tail of spine; front and rear cover hinges starting. Some bumping to corners. Internally, text is clean, bright and unmarred. First published in 1858, this is one of Holmes' more popular literary works. The novel is a series of essays, featuring a collection of boarders who gather around a table, providing an audience for the wit and philosophy of the Autocrat. The essays take the form of conversations that generally develop into monologues. Cleverly and epigrammatically, the seemingly disconnected, is unified by the recurring themes and personalities. 8vo (8-5/16 x 5-1/2 inches. [ii], viii, 373 pp. Overall, a very good and scarce signed copy of this famous work.