The Slave; or, Memoirs of Archy Moore (1836) Extremely Rare First Edition in Original Boards 2 Vols.
$2,800.00
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📚 The Slave; or, Memoirs of Archy Moore (1836) — Extremely Rare First Edition in Original Boards — 2 Vols.
Boston: John H. Eastburn, 1836
Octavo. Two volumes. Vol. I: 170 pp. • Vol. II: 163 pp. (one leaf and blanks lacking, pp. 59–60, supplied in facsimile).
An exceptionally scarce example of the true first edition of one of the earliest American anti-slavery novels—published sixteen years before Uncle Tom’s Cabin and now seldom seen in the original 1836 boards.
Written anonymously by Richard Hildreth, The Slave; or, Memoirs of Archy Moore was among the first literary works to attempt a realistic depiction of the lived experience of enslavement. Its unflinching treatment of plantation life sparked significant controversy upon release and divided abolitionist readers. Yet despite (or because of) this, it quickly became influential, saw several 1840s reprints, and was later revived under the new title “The White Slave” after the success of Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Many scholars have noted strong parallels of setting, themes, and narrative structure—leading to long-standing claims that Stowe drew inspiration from this very text. Whether true or not, Archy Moore remains a cornerstone in the evolution of American anti-slavery literature.
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đź“– Physical Description
Original publisher’s boards with greenish muslin spines
Printed spine labels (worn but partially legible)
Vol. I: 170 pp.
Vol. II: 163 pp., lacking one leaf (pp. 59–60) — supplied in amateur facsimile from the original edition, making the text complete for reading
Condition: Fair to Good at best
Several leaves loose or laid in
Backstrip of Vol. I largely perished
Moderate foxing and age toning consistent with period
Occasional stains, edge wear, and handling marks
Despite structural wear, the text is generally clean and legible, and the volumes remain in completely unrestored original state
This is an unusually complete survival in original boards, as most extant copies are rebound or institutional.
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🌟 Why This Set Is Important
One of the earliest American anti-slavery novels (1836).
Precedes Uncle Tom’s Cabin by 16 years.
Increasingly rare on the market, especially:
First edition
In original bindings
With both volumes present
Important in the history of American reform literature and the abolitionist movement.
Cited in Wright (p. 88) and Sabin (31970).
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📦 Notes on Rarity & Completeness
First editions in original boards very rarely appear on the open market today. Even defective copies routinely sell quickly due to the text’s historical importance and scarcity. This copy has one missing leaf replaced in facsimile for usability, and is priced well below copies in higher grade.
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✨ A Perfect Piece For:
Collectors of abolitionist history
Scholars of early American literature
Serious rare-book enthusiasts
Dealers looking for a foundational 19th-century reform novel
Anyone assembling a collection surrounding Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Stowe, or the roots of American protest literature
The Slave; or, Memoirs of Archy Moore (1836) Extremely Rare First Edition in Original Boards 2 Vols.
The Slave; or, Memoirs of Archy Moore (1836) Extremely Rare First Edition in Original Boards 2 Vols.
$2,800.00