1887 Rare First Edition The Merry Men by Robert Louis Stevenson – Goldstone Copy

Author: Robert Louis Stevenson.
Title: The Merry Men and Other Tales and Fables.
Publisher: London, Chatto & Windus, Piccadilly, 1887. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 7.5" x 5".
Pages: 296 pages + publisher’s catalogue.
Binding: Attractive and very good original publisher’s decorative blue cloth binding, richly adorned with gilt stars and floral motifs on the upper cover and spine. Gilt title to spine (hinges fine, overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown, the rear cover shows a small area of discoloration along the outer edge - as shown) under a protective removable mylar cover. Housed in a good (overall slightly worn and scuffed - as shown) custom red morocco-backed clamshell case with gilt spine lettering and matching chemise for protection.
Content: Very good content (bright, tight and clean - as shown). A distinguished bookplate of the eminent collector Adrian Homer Goldstone is affixed to the front pastedown.

Estimate: (USD 350–500).

The book: A scarce first edition of The Merry Men and Other Tales and Fables by Robert Louis Stevenson, published in 1887. The collection includes “The Merry Men,” “Will o’ the Mill,” “Markheim,” “Thrawn Janet,” “Olalla,” and “The Treasure of Franchard.” The stories, ranging from Gothic to philosophical fables, reveal Stevenson’s mastery of short fiction in the years following Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Its original gilt-stamped blue cloth binding, embellished with stars and floral motifs, makes this an especially attractive copy, here further enhanced by a custom protective case.

The author: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer, one of the most influential literary figures of the late 19th century. Known for works such as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson was celebrated for his narrative skill, imaginative prose, and ability to blend romance, adventure, and psychological depth.

Provenance: From the library of Adrian Homer Goldstone (1897–1977), bibliographer and renowned collector of Stevenson, Steinbeck, and Arthur Machen. His bookplate adorns the front pastedown, adding distinguished provenance to this copy.