[HART, Joseph C. (1798-1855).] Miriam Coffin; or, The Whale-Fisherman. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1835.

The first American whaling novel, apparently a family and presentation copy. It is inscribed on both title-pages for [the author's] niece: "Sarah L. Dixon from her Uncle Joseph." The is very likely a presentation copy, as another owner has inscribed himself Roscoe Hart. Joseph Hart's novel provides marvelous detail on the trials and tribulations of life in Nantucket in the early 19th century. Originally written in part to encourage congressional support for the whaling industry, it is now best remembered as being the most important fiction source for Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. Second edition.

Two volumes, octavo (188 x 111mm). Four-page "Notices" and one-page of publishers' advertisements at the front of vol. 1. (First title with browned area, couple of pinholes). Original muslin with paper printed labels (endpapers foxed, slight lean, small chips to spine ends and larger chips near lower joint of vol. 1). Custom red half morocco box. Provenance: Sarah L. Dixon, the author's[?] niece (presentation inscriptions signed "Joseph" in both volumes) – Roscoe Hart (pencil ownership signatures to front endpapers of both volumes).