HEIDI by Spyri, Johanna - 1885

Boston: Cupples, Upham, & Company, 1885. Near fine.. First US edition, the first obtainable edition of HEIDI in English. One of the best-selling works of all time, this story of an orphaned girl growing up in the Swiss Alps with her grandfather has resonated with readers in its depiction of the joys of childhood, the warmth of relationships with family and friends, and its "ecological sensibility" (Jean-Michel Wissmer). Originally published in German in 1880 and 1881, an extremely rare English edition of Heidi was issued in 1882. A beautiful copy. Two octavo volumes in one, as issued. 7.25'' x 5.25''. Original gold cloth stamped in black, tan flower-patterned endpapers. Title pages printed in red and black. Half titles present, 22 pages of ads dated 1884 at rear. Translated by Louise Brooks. 399, [1]; [2], 269, [1], [22] pages. Contemporary gift inscription on second fly leaf, library blindstamp on title page. Evidence of bookplate removal on front free endpaper, ink notation in gutter of part I, page 5, small dampstain on upper corner of first two leaves of part II.