Is My Book A First Edition?Victor Hugo's works.Copyright 1888?

Question

My book is Victor Hugo's Works, inside it says, Copyright 1888. T.Y. Cromwell. It was translated by Isabel F. Hapgood. And is Volume 1.

The book is in near mint condition,which makes me wonder if this actually is an 1888 book.There are B&W pictures throughout the book, with different illustrators, the first picture at front of book has tissue paper over it.

I have searched all the rare book sites, and cannot find mention of it any where. If anyone can shed some light on this book I would be very grateful.

Answer 1

It probably is not a "first" edition. I believe a Victor Hugo "true" first edition would have been published in France and been in French.

This is the only book by Hugo and translated by Hapgood that matches your description.

"The Works of Hugo"  most likely indicates that you have part of a set of volumes that were published in a uniform set of bindings(like a set on encyclopedias)

I used to own many books that were "The Works of H. Rider Haggard"

They were bound in similar cloth and design, and each volume was a different novel and there were, like, 30 of them.

Check the title page again and look for a story title. That you have "vol. 1" indicates that there were 2 books for this one story you have.So you have only one of the two volumes.

I'd be willing to bet that this is probably a "first thus" edition, but it is not the first American edition as as the first edition was printed in 1867 by another publisher. And the European editions were printed a  year or two earlier.

You still have 1/2 of a fairly valuable edition.  As you can see, if this title is the book you have, then the 2 vols are being sold for $80

True firsts are worth up to 5-6000 dollars.

Whatever you have, if it is in as good a condition as you say, then you have a pretty nice little  collector's item there.

one more thing to look for: usually on the title page under the publisher's name will be the date. if it says 1888 then it was printed then.

THE TOILERS OF THE SEA. (Les Travailleurs de la Mer). 2 volumes.

Hugo, Victor. (Isabel F. Hapgood, trans). (D. Vierge, Chifflart, V. Hugo, illus).

US$ 80.00

Description: 2 volumes, 8vo., pp. 251, [1] + frontispiece and 39 illustrated plates; 263, [1] + frontispiece and 39 illustrated plates, olive cloth, gilt to spines, top edges gilt. Some moderate yellowing to page fore edges (rough cut), cloth lightly rubbed to corners and moderately rubbed to spine ends, spines a little darkened and dulled, mild soiling, otherwise very good copies, no owner names or marks. A handsome set, generously illustrated on 80 plates by D. Vierge, Chifflart and Victor Hugo. Note: heavier item - additional shipping required.  

Answer 2

You may be able to gauge the value of your book at the link(s) below - good luck !

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