The Count of Monte Cristo - Bruce Ismay Copy

The 5WS; Dumas, Alexandre – The Count of Monte Cristo. London: J.M. Dent, 1894. 4 Vols. From the Library of Bruce Ismay, Chairman of the White Star Line

A fine 1894 edition of Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo, bound in its original decorative cloth with intricate gilt embellishments. This edition, published by J.M. Dent, features beautiful illustrations and high-quality paper, making it a prized example of late 19th-century bookbinding and printing. This four volume set was owned by J. Bruce Ismay, chairman of the White Star Line, notorious for his role in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Ismay, who survived the disaster, was portrayed in James Cameron’s Titanic (1997) as a self-serving figure, fleeing the sinking ship while women and children remained aboard. His personal bookplate which, in an ironic turn of events, reads "Be Mindful" is affixed to the inside cover, offering a direct link to one of history’s most infamous maritime figures. This volume is not only a literary treasure but also a remarkable artifact of Titanic lore, perfect for collectors interested in historical provenance and classic literature.

4 Volumes. A very fine copy with gilt fleur de lis embellished spine and front cover. Deckle edged pages. Black and white sketched illustrations on front endpapers. Bruce Ismay bookplate with crest on front inside covers of all four volumes. Overall excellent condition with only slight wear to the spine tops and bottoms.