"A SET OF POLITICAL MAXIMS THAT WERE PERHAPS AS RUTHLESS, AS TYRRANIC, AND AS SELFISH AS EVER WERE INVENTED BY THE EVIL INGENUITY OF MAN"

(COOPER, James Fenimore). The Bravo. Philadelphia: Carey & Lea, 1831. Two volumes. Small octavo, original paper boards and spines, original paper spine labels, uncut. $750.

First America edition of the first of Cooper's three European novels, set in Venice, in original paper boards.

The Bravo was much more popular in Europe than in America; it inspired a play, which in turn led to the 1839 opera il bravo by Saverio Mercadante. First published in London six weeks earlier than this American edition. Volume II is probable second printing, with final signature U4 rather than U6. Spiller & Blackburn 13. BAL3851. Bookplate. Early dealer description tipped to rear free endpaper of Volume II.

Interior quite clean, expert repairs and toning to spines, expected wear to original paper boards. A very good copy.