1860 - First American Gothic Novel
A first edition of a landmark American novel often cited as the first fully-realized Gothic novel written in the United States. Miriam Coles Harris's work, originally published anonymously, is set against the backdrop of a mysterious mansion and a family shrouded in secrets. The novel's exploration of hidden identities, forbidden desires, and the dark side of human nature established Harris as a significant voice in American fiction.
Beyond its literary merit, Rutledge holds a unique place in the history of American Gothic literature. It paved the way for later works that explored similar themes, and its influence can be seen in novels like Jane Eyre and even later works like Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. The novel's exploration of female agency and its critique of societal expectations seem quite modern. This first edition, in a handsome half morocco binding, is a desirable collector's item for enthusiasts of American literature and those interested in the evolution of the Gothic genre.
Harris, Miriam Coles. Rutledge. New York: Derby & Jackson, 1860. First edition. ½ green morocco gilt (spine faded to brown). Very Good.
A first edition of a landmark American novel often cited as the first fully-realized Gothic novel written in the United States. Miriam Coles Harris's work, originally published anonymously, is set against the backdrop of a mysterious mansion and a family shrouded in secrets. The novel's exploration of hidden identities, forbidden desires, and the dark side of human nature established Harris as a significant voice in American fiction.
Beyond its literary merit, Rutledge holds a unique place in the history of American Gothic literature. It paved the way for later works that explored similar themes, and its influence can be seen in novels like Jane Eyre and even later works like Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. The novel's exploration of female agency and its critique of societal expectations seem quite modern. This first edition, in a handsome half morocco binding, is a desirable collector's item for enthusiasts of American literature and those interested in the evolution of the Gothic genre.
Harris, Miriam Coles. Rutledge. New York: Derby & Jackson, 1860. First edition. ½ green morocco gilt (spine faded to brown). Very Good.
A first edition of a landmark American novel often cited as the first fully-realized Gothic novel written in the United States. Miriam Coles Harris's work, originally published anonymously, is set against the backdrop of a mysterious mansion and a family shrouded in secrets. The novel's exploration of hidden identities, forbidden desires, and the dark side of human nature established Harris as a significant voice in American fiction.
Beyond its literary merit, Rutledge holds a unique place in the history of American Gothic literature. It paved the way for later works that explored similar themes, and its influence can be seen in novels like Jane Eyre and even later works like Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca. The novel's exploration of female agency and its critique of societal expectations seem quite modern. This first edition, in a handsome half morocco binding, is a desirable collector's item for enthusiasts of American literature and those interested in the evolution of the Gothic genre.
Harris, Miriam Coles. Rutledge. New York: Derby & Jackson, 1860. First edition. ½ green morocco gilt (spine faded to brown). Very Good.