The Civil War and Readjustment in Kentucky.

Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 1926. Hardcover. Small 4to. Burgundy cloth. viii, 468pp. Good plus. Binding a bit rough, rather edgeworn and scuffed; front inner hinge starting but expertly, archivally strengthened, thus strong. Item #33961

Tight, decent first edition of what William E. Parrish called "A good account of the history and character of this key border state; embraces all facets of life there." If this copy is pleasantly worn, it's because of its succession of distinguished owners: The front pastedown bears a large, bold signature and inscription from the author in blue ink: "To Dr. Edward Tuthill / With my esteem and / best wishes. / EM Coulter." Tuthill was head of the Department of History at the University of Kentucky around the time this book was published, and apparently was involved in a failed effort to persuade Coulter to leave the University of Georgia in Athens and come to Kentucky; he's among those thanked in this book's preface. Next is the ownership signature near the top of the front flyleaf of James F. Hopkins, another noted University of Kentucky history professor, editor of the papers of Henry Clay and author of such titles as "A History of the Hemp Industry in Kentucky" (1951) and "The University of Kentucky: Origins and Early Years" (1951). Lastly, below this is the handsome crest bookplate of Ross A. Webb, yet another noted University of Kentucky history professor and author of "Benjamin Helm Bristow: Border State Politician" (1967) and "Kentucky in the Reconstruction Era" (1979). One or more of these owners pencilled checkmarks, brackets and lines in the margins of some pages, though only a few words (albeit a slim example from which to determine authorship)-- so whether Tuthill, Hopkins or Webb marked this volume is difficult to determine -- Tuthill seems most likely. An interesting association copy with an intriguing string of ownerships. NEVINS II, 147.

Price: $150.00

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