1935 1st Ed Founding of Harvard College Morison Laura E Richards Provenance For Sale

The Founding of Harvard College
By Samuel Eliot Morison
Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts
1935 First EditionPart of The Tercentennial History of Harvard College and University, 1636–1936. The original 1935 edition contains xxvi + 472 pages. Notable provenance: This copy contains an attractive period “Ex Libris Henry & Laura E. Richards” bookplate featuring a sailing ship.A handwritten presentation inscription on the facing endpaper reads:“Henry and Laura E. Richards / from Margaret G. Ames / Christmas, 1935.”The Henry and Laura Richards provenance is particularly interesting: Laura E. Richards was the noted American author and daughter of Julia Ward Howe, author of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Her husband Henry Richards was a Harvard graduate, making their ownership of this Harvard history especially appropriate.An older bookseller’s identification slip remains with the book and describes it as “1ST” edition, “VERY GOOD,” specifically noting the bookplate, owner’s dedication and signature.The book is bound in red cloth with gilt spine lettering and Harvard University seal. It is currently protected by a clear removable cover.Condition: Very Good vintage condition. Binding appears sound and pages generally clean with expected age toning. There are ownership/provenance markings and the presentation inscription as described and photographed. Some light exterior/edge wear consistent with a book published in 1935. No original printed dust jacket is present. Clear protective cover is later.Please examine all photographs carefully; the bookplate, 1935 inscription and old bookseller’s identification slip are all shown and will remain with the book.An unusual association/provenance copy of an important Harvard history by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Samuel Eliot Morison, with particular appeal to collectors of Harvard University, Laura E. Richards, Julia Ward Howe, New England history and American literary history.