The Calling of Dan Matthews
First Edition, First Printing — 1909
A handsome first edition, first printing of The Calling of Dan Matthews by Harold Bell Wright, published by The Book Supply Company of Chicago in August 1909, with illustrations by Arthur I. Keller.
This copy retains its original deep burgundy vertically ribbed cloth binding, beautifully decorated with gilt lettering and a gilt-rule border on the front board. The spine is also lettered and ruled in gilt.
The first-printing identification is supported by the book's publication statement and physical collation. The copyright page states “Published, August, 1909,” and the volume is complete with all four full-page illustrations by Arthur I. Keller. The last numbered page is 363, followed by the unnumbered final page bearing “THE END,” and three pages of publisher's advertisements for other works by Harold Bell Wright.
The text also bears Wright's concluding notation “Tecolote, February Fifteenth, 1909.”
Harold Bell Wright (1872–1944) was one of the most commercially successful American novelists of the early 20th century. His enormously popular novels combined elements of American life, morality, religion, and social commentary. The Calling of Dan Matthews centers on a young minister confronting the conflict between institutional religion and practical Christian service.
Book Details
Title: The Calling of Dan MatthewsAuthor: Harold Bell WrightIllustrator: Arthur I. KellerPublisher: The Book Supply Company, ChicagoPublication Date: August 1909Edition: First Edition, First PrintingBinding: Original burgundy cloth hardcover with gilt decorationPagination: 363 numbered pages plus unnumbered concluding pageIllustrations: Four full-page plates by Arthur I. Keller — all presentAdvertisements: Three pages of publisher's advertisements at rearLanguage: English
Condition
Good+ antique condition.
The original burgundy cloth remains attractive with strong, bright gilt lettering and decoration on both the front board and spine. There is age-related rubbing and edge wear, with the most noticeable wear and fraying at the head and foot of the spine. Corners show modest wear.
The interior is generally clean and remarkably bright for a book more than 115 years old. All four illustrated plates are present. The volume retains the three publisher's advertisement pages at the rear.
Previous-owner names are written in pencil on the front free endpaper, as shown in the photographs. No dust jacket is present.
An attractive and complete example of the 1909 first edition, first printing, particularly appealing to collectors of Harold Bell Wright, early 20th-century American literature, illustrated books, and decorative antique bindings.
