Herod and Mariamne. A Tragedy
Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1888. First edition. Hardcover. Quarto (9 x 6 1/8"). [20], 305-462, 44pp (Advertisement). Contemporary half burgundy cloth over marbled paper covered boards.
First edition of Amélie Louise Rives' verse drama "Herod and Mariamne" published in the September 1888 issue of "Lippincott's Monthly Magazine."
Rives' drama is based on the true story of Mariamne (c. 57 - 29 bc), a Jewish princess, and popular heroine in both Jewish and Christian traditions, whose marriage (37 bc) to the Judean king Herod the Great united his family with the deposed Hasmonean royal family (Maccabees) and helped legitimize his position. At the instigation of his sister Salome and Mariamne’s mother, Alexandra, however, Herod had her put to death for adultery. Later, he also executed her two sons, Alexander and Aristobulus.
Binding rubbed along edges and at head and tail of spine. Front hinge slightly starting. Previous owner's Ex-Libris on front free endpaper (Wm. R. Blumenthal). Minor smudges to fly leaf and title page. Binding in overall good-, interior in very good condition. g- to vg. Item #41205
Price: $75.00