Description
Original red cover of 1924 edition. Hardcover has some normal wear and slight fading. The pages are clean and the binding is secure.
This well-preserved copy of Edison Marshall’s “Seward’s Folly” offers a captivating glimpse into the storied acquisition of Alaska by the United States in 1867. Published just over half a century after the controversial purchase, Marshall’s engaging narrative breathes life into the political maneuverings and personal dramas that unfolded behind the scenes. Dubbed a “folly” by critics at the time, the acquisition of the vast Alaskan territory for a mere $7.2 million is now widely regarded as one of the greatest bargains in American history. Marshall’s vivid storytelling transports readers to the 19th-century halls of power, where Secretary of State William H. Seward championed the purchase against considerable opposition. Beyond its historical significance, the book holds literary merit as an early example of Marshall’s talent for blending fact and fiction, a skill he would later hone in his celebrated novels set in the American West. For collectors and readers alike, this 1924 edition represents a chance to own a piece of Alaskan history and witness the emergence of a celebrated storyteller.