306

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Signed Presentation Copy to Crevole Bronson.

London: Longmans, Green, & Co., 1886.
First edition, octavo; signed and inscribed by Stevenson to the editor of The Monterey Californian Crevole Bronson, "For my dear friend C. Bronson" and dated June 1, 1888 in ink on the title; rebound in quarter morocco over marbled boards, red and gilt floral patterned endpapers, all edges tinted red (lacking half-title and advertisements, scattered minor stains, cut-out quotation pasted to blank opposite title; resewn and rebacked with original spine label preserved); 6 7/8 x 4 3/8 in.

[With] Typed Letter Signed by Stevenson bibliographer Gertrude Hills to a Captain Pleadwell dated February 28th, 1933, discussing Stevenson's handwriting and regretting that she could not see the present lot, signed by her in green ink on her stationery; 1 page, laid in at front; 11 x 8 1/8 in.

Before reuniting with Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne (1840-1914) in San Francisco in 1879 Stevenson spent a formative period in Monterey, California. His voyage to the United States to see Osbourne had taken an enormous toll on his health, and he was forced to spend a few months convalescing in Monterey. While there, he met Crevole Bronson, the editor of one of the earliest California newspapers, The Monterey Californian. Stevenson found a kindred spirit in Bronson, who also possessed passionate literary aspirations. They often spent time together at Simoneau's, a French restaurant beloved by Stevenson and frequented by the bohemian intellectuals who found themselves in Monterey. Most importantly, Bronson gave Stevenson his first writing job, hiring the yet unpublished author as a reporter for the paper at two dollars a week. Stevenson spent only four months at the job but was undoubtedly shaped by the experience. He would go on to write many pieces about his time in California and even set his novel Treasure Island in Point Lobos. Stevenson found fame with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde almost a decade after leaving Monterey and likely sent the present lot to Bronson in gratitude for his recognition and friendship at a time when the author was still relatively unknown. Inscribed copies of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde very rarely appear at auction, with only record in RBH since 1994.

Prideaux 17.

  • Condition: Please contact us to request a condition report:
    Devon Eastland, Senior Specialist: [email protected]
    Grace Meschery-McCormack, Cataloguer: [email protected]


    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

October 23, 2025 10:30 AM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000