*SOLD*
 
Herman Melville
New York, 1851
 
A book with well-detailed literary significance. Copies are always available, but seldom seen with any sort of additional historical significance. Jim Morrison certainly qualifies as a significant figure, influencing countless artists and fans across the globe to this day. A poetic spirit that made an important mark on Rock n' Roll, he loved reading and often spoke of its power. This copy was with him during his last days in Paris(removed from his flat after his untimely, sketchy death and kept with his long time girlfriend Pam Courson’s family). A signed legal document from Courson's niece attesting to this history accompanies the book. One can certainly deduce that he handled this copy a fair amount of time and treasured it as a key book in literary history.
 
Original publisher's brown cloth with circular device on cover, complete with 6 pages of publisher's ads at rear. Re-backed with original spine laid down, an extra gathering inserted by the original binder, wear to the corners, but overall a Very Good copy and save some scattered light foxing, the text is remarkably clean. Owner signature at front endpaper dated 1890. Housed in custom quarter leather case.
 
Prettier copies are out there, and even though I live in LA or maybe because I live in LA, I'll take the one with depth of soul over the ubiquitous superficially attractive ones. Why do we pursue such an odd course of action as book collecting - to be the temporary safe keepers of history and something meaningful to our trifling existence. As an all around good guy once told me, it's about the vibrations of history… When you hold this book, you may find it difficult to keep your hands steady. If you're in the market for Moby Dick or generally a flat out cool book, then why not pick up a copy owned by someone that had a hell of an influence on millions?