Gibson Girl Illustrated Realism

Deland, Margaret (1857–1945)

Partners [With Scarce Dust Jacket] [Charles Dana Gibson]

New York and London: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1913. First Edition, First Printing.
A remarkably well-preserved specimen of early 20th-century literary realism, distinguished by the presence of its scarce original dust jacket and illustrations by the legendary Charles Dana Gibson. 

Margaret Deland, a leading voice in the realistic movement, explores regional character and social nuance with the precision that made her a staple of the Harper's literary circle. This copy, featuring four full-page plates—including a tissue-guarded frontispiece—captures the 'Gibson Girl' aesthetic at the height of its cultural influence, providing a primary visual and textual record of the independent American woman as she was idealized at the turn of the century.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Visuals: Four full-page plates by Charles Dana Gibson, including a tissue-guarded frontispiece.
+++ Binding: Original publisher's cloth with gilt and decorative stamping; exceptionally clean.
+++ Content: A novella of rural life and partnership characteristic of Deland's realistic style.
+++ Imprint: New York and London: Harper & Brothers [stated Harper & Row in notes, corrected to period-accurate Brothers], 1913. First Edition.
+++ Specs: 8vo; 8.5 inches tall; 115 pages.
+++ Design: Features the iconic graphic style of the most famous American illustrator of the era.

CONDITION
+++ THE BOOK: The bindings are tight and square, showing minimal handling wear. The cloth is vibrant, and the internal text is clean with light, even age-toning. A previous owner's name is present on the front endpapers. A Fine, crisp example.
+++ DUST JACKET: The scarce original jacket is present and graded Good. It shows typical handling wear and sun-darkening to the spine. There is small area of loss at the head of the spine and along the top rear edge. Now protected in a removable, archival-quality clear sleeve.

SCHOLARLY FEATURES
+++ Literary Realism: Deland is increasingly studied for her role in the American realist movement, particularly her depictions of small-town Pennsylvania (Old Chester) and New England social dynamics.
+++ Graphic Arts History: Gibson’s work here represents a bridge between his famous magazine 'types' and formal book illustration, showcasing his ability to translate social status through line work.
+++ Bibliographical Scarcity: While the book itself is uncommon, the survival of the 1913 dust jacket is significant, as most jacketed examples from this period were discarded by original owners.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE —
Margaret Deland was one of the most successful female novelists of her time, often compared to Sarah Orne Jewett and Mary E. Wilkins Freeman. 'Partners' was published during her most prolific period, reflecting the shift toward a more nuanced, psychological realism in American fiction.

The collaboration with Charles Dana Gibson was a major marketing coup for Harper & Brothers. Gibson’s 'Gibson Girl' had become a national obsession, and his involvement in Deland's work helped define the 'Modern' woman for a new generation of readers. This volume stands as a testament to the high production standards of early 20th-century commercial publishing.

SUBJECTS: American Literature, Literary Realism, Women Authors, Charles Dana Gibson, 20th-Century Illustration, Social History, Illustrated Fiction, Regionalism.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCE: Standard Harper First Edition protocols apply.

Item #21808

Price: $145.00