The History of Moses

Doylesford, Penna: Privately Printed [for] A. Edward Newton, "Oak Knoll, 1919. Stiff Wrappers. Fine. Limited Edition reproducing Robert Louis Stevenson's earliest literary composition. Foolscap 8vo (178 x 120mm): [2],10pp, with tissue-guarded color frontispiece of Israelites Going Out of Egypt (from a childhood drawing Stevenson made to illustrate this composition for a family competition) and full-page facsimiles of Mrs. Stevenson's manuscript (the six-year-old R.L.S. dictated the story to her over six successive Sunday evenings) and of a page from his uncle's "The Happy Sunday [Reward] Book." Original blue paper wrappers printed in black, stitched (as issued) with braided blue cord. Inscribed to recto of first leaf: "With the Compliments of A. Edw. Newton this first edition of R. L. S." A Fine Copy. Wainwright 92. Most sources say Stevenson was six years old when, competing against his cousins, he won a prize from one of his Balfour uncles for this history of Moses dedicated to his mother. Newton, the avid bibliophile, purchased the manuscript in an Anderson sale (November 24, 1914, lot 294) and later issued this limited edition. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, carefully preserved in archival, removable mylar sleeves. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).