THREE PARTNERS. Or The Big Strike on Heavy Tree Hill. [inscribed]

1897. Gulich, J.. Boston and New York: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1897. Original terra-cotta cloth stamped in black and gilt.

First American Edition (which according to Blanck was probably published simultaneously with the London one). This is a tale of intrigue and treachery involving gold miners working an old claim: almost twenty years after Harte left America (and his wife and children) for England, here he is still trying to work old claims himself -- tales of the Pioneer West. Near-fine condition (spine slightly faded, a touch of rubbing at the corners). Blanck 7385. This copy is inscribed by Harte on the front flyleaf, "Miss Chappell | from | Bret Harte | 1897". "Miss Chappell," daughter of the music historian William Chappell (1809-1888, partner in the musical firm Chappell & Co.), was a frequent correspondent and occasional luncheon guest of Bret Harte; some of his letters to her were published in the "Later Days, Later Friends" section of T.E. Pemberton's biography of Harte that was published the year after Harte's 1902 death.