Uncle Toms Cabin by Stowe, Harriet Beecher - 1852

Halifax, UK: Milner and Sowerby, 1852. 1st Edition. Hardcover. 1st Edition. Hardcover. STOWE, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Toms Cabin. Halifax, UK: Milner and Sowerby, 1852. Rare 1852 pirated edition of of this famous anti-slavery novel. UNCLE TOM'S CABIN or Negro Life in the Slaves States of America [Complete Edition]. 12mo., 326 pp (17cm x 10.5cm). Half black calf, gilt lettered & decorated spine. An attractive example of this obscure issue showing minimal use. "Beside the authorized edition published by Thomas Bosworth more than twenty pirated London editions appeared in 1852. In the emotion-charged atmosphere of mid-nineteenth century America Uncle Toms Cabin exploded like a bombshell. the social impact. on the United States was greater than that of any book before or since". Printing and the Mind of Man 332 - Uncle Tom's Cabin was first published as a 40-week serial in National Era, an abolitionist periodical, starting with the June 5, 1851 issue. Because of the story's popularity, publisher John Jewett contacted Stowe about turning the serial into a book. While Stowe questioned if anyone would read Uncle Tom's Cabin in book form, she eventually consented to the request. Published by Jewett, Boston, March 20, 1852, the novel soon sold out its complete print run. A number of other editions were soon printed. The book eventually became the best-selling novel in the world during the 19th century (and the second best-selling book after the Bible), with the book being translated into every major language. The book sold equally well in England, with the first London edition appearing in May, 1852. It is now generally accepted that the C.H. Clarke edition was the first U.K. edition in book form, although Cassell's serial issue in thirteen parts was true first appearance. Bodsworth published an early edition in July/August of 1852 & regional publishers like Milner followed suit, this particular issue, often missing from completist collection. "The social impact of Uncle Tom's Cabin on the United States was greater than that of any book before or since" (PMM 332).