COLLINS, Wilkie (1824-1889). The Woman in White. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1860.

A lovely copy of the first American edition of Collins's mystery-detective novel. The Woman in White was first published in Harper's Weekly, November 26, 1859-August 4, 1860; and, in Dickens' All the Year Round, November 26, 1859-August 25, 1860. Though Sadleir states that the New York edition "preceded the English edition by one month," this is probably incorrect. Contemporary ads date the publication of the English edition likely around 15 August 1860, while the Harper & Brothers archives record the American publication on 30 August 1860. Sadleir 605a; Wolff 1377b. A Haycraft-Queen Cornerstone.

Octavo (233 x 145mm). Illustrations by John McLenan. 2 pp. of ads dated August 1860 preceding title and 4 pp. at rear (a little minor soiling internally, small corner chip to p.1, two-inch closed tear to p. 31). Original dark brown cloth, brown endpapers (spine ends and corners rubbed); custom box. Provenance: Walcott P. Stone (ownership inscription dated October 1860, name on box).