12mo (173 x 100 mm). Illustrated title-page printed in brown and gold, text printed in brown and gold, numerous decorations and illustrations throughout; "Information for the Reader" pamphlet laid-in. (Dampstaining to lower margin and gutter.) Publisher’s original limp faux alligator, gilt-stamped device on upper cover, peach watered silk endpapers, edges gilt, original peach silk bookmark (old cellotape repairs, upper hinge starting); original box (some light wear). Provenance: Anna Kluepfel (presentation inscription); Mabel Baker (correspondence laid in); gifted by the previous to the present owner.

 

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY FERSON in gold: "To Anna Kluepfel as a token of friendship from Svetozar 25 XII 1923." Svetozar was the childhood nickname of Ferson. Ferson emigrated to the United States and was granted U. S. Citizenship in 1923, the year of publication of the present work.  At that time, he had to renounce his Baronial title. Mabel Baker, the previous owner, reportedly met Ferson at a dinner party in Seattle in 1946. 
 
The present copy is RARE IN THE ORIGINAL BOX, WITH THE ORIGINAL PAMPHLET ALSO PRESENT, entitled “Information for the Reader.”  We trace no other presentation copy on the market at auction.