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* Binding: Hardcover
* Subject: Biographies & True Stories
* Topic: Johnny Appleseed / John Chapman / American Frontier History
* Special Attributes: 1st Edition, 1st Printing, Collector's Edition, Vintage Newspaper Ephemera Pasted Inside
* Origin/Facsimile: Original
* Year Printed: 1915
* Publisher: Harper & Brothers
* Author: Eleanor Atkinson
* Language: English
Up for sale is a uniquely historical, true 1915 first edition, first printing copy of "Johnny Appleseed: The Romance of the Sower" by Eleanor Atkinson, published by Harper & Brothers.
This specific copy is a dream find for collectors of early American folklore, Midwestern history, or unique book ephemera. It includes three remarkably well-preserved newspaper articles from 1916 to 1925 into the front endpapers, transforming this book into a century-old historical time capsule.
FIRST EDITION / FIRST PRINTING VERIFICATION:
This copy features all necessary diagnostic points required by rare book collectors to guarantee a true first printing:
* The title page displays the correct Roman numeral date of MCMXV (1915), matching the copyright page.
* The copyright page explicitly states "Published March, 1915."
* Features the critical Harper & Brothers two-letter printing code "C-P" at the bottom of the copyright page, verifying it was physically pressed in March 1915 during the absolute first production run.
* The advertising page lists only two books by Eleanor Atkinson (Johnny Appleseed and Greyfriars Bobby), confirming it was printed before her later works were published.
BONUS HISTORICAL EPHEMERA INCLUDED:
An early owner meticulously curated and pasted three fascinating original newspaper clippings across the inner cover pages. These clippings provide incredible context regarding the early 20th-century movement to cement Johnny Appleseed's legacy:
1. "Saint of Appletree" (Dated May 5, 1916): Documents early civic efforts in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to build historical monuments to John Chapman.
2. "Apples of Concord" (Dated Monday, October 5, 1925): Details the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's legal and genealogical search to officially authenticate Chapman's gravesite.
3. "Johnny Appleseed is Dear to Illinois" (Undated, c. 1920s): Discusses the structural expansion of his pioneer orchards into Illinois and a memorial orchard planted in Thatcher Woods, Chicago.
CONDITION REPORT (VERY GOOD):
This book has been wonderfully preserved over the last 111 years.
* Cover: The sage green cloth boards are structurally sound with straight edges. The intricate blue-stamped apple tree branch silhouette border remains crisp. The gold-leaf title lettering and central apple crest on the front cover are beautifully bright.
* Binding: The spine and hinges remain sturdy and tightly bound.
* Interior: Pages are clean, complete, and free from modern highlighting, heavy foxing, or significant tears. The historical newspaper clippings are firmly affixed to the front endpapers.
(Some Acid browning from newspaper clippings)
SHIPPING & HANDLING:
The book will be wrapped securely in bubble wrap and shipped inside a sturdy cardboard box via USPS Media Mail to ensure it arrives safely at your doorstep. Tracking is included.
Please review the attached photographs carefully to inspect the condition details, and feel free to reach out with any questions before offerding. Thank you for looking!
