1825 The Monastery by Sir Walter Scott – Original Publisher’s Boards – Early American Edition

Scarce early American edition of The Monastery: A Romance by Sir Walter Scott, issued in Philadelphia in 1825 by McCarty & Davis, Thos. De Silver, and L.B. Clarke. This is Volume II only from the two-volume set. What makes this copy especially significant is its survival in the original publisher’s boards, a fragile binding style that predates the widespread adoption of cloth binding in the 1830s.

The book is untrimmed with its original paper-covered boards intact, showing age toning, staining, and wear consistent with its 200-year history. The spine is split and delicate, with exposed sewing structure visible — a common and expected condition point for books in their original state. Ownership history includes a note of acquisition from the “Dutch Book Sale, Westchester, PA, June 1979” by Nancy and George M. Vaughn, adding a layer of provenance.

The Monastery was one of Walter Scott’s popular Waverley novels, blending romance, history, and gothic elements. Surviving examples in untouched condition such as this are prized both by collectors of Scott’s works and students of early American publishing.

Condition Notes:

• Original publisher’s boards, worn and fragile.
• Spine split with exposed stitching.
• Stains and spotting to boards and pages.
• Interior generally clean and legible.
• Provenance note on front endpaper.

A rare opportunity to acquire a Walter Scott novel in its original American boards — a true piece of publishing history.