Charles A. Arthur signed first edition of ''The Bric-a-Brac Series'', Volume I, ''Personal Reminiscences by Chorley, Planche and Young''. New York: Scribner, Armstrong and Co., 1874. Boldly signed by the future President on the front free endpaper, ''C. A. Arthur, / May 1874'', most certainly an ownership signature from Arthur's own library as Arthur was a port collector in New York at the time, seven years away from the Presidency.
''The Bric-a-Brac Series'' was a compendium of ten volumes edited by poet and literary critic Richard Henry Stoddard, containing letters, anecdotes, and biographies of notable 18th and 19th century individuals. In this inaugural volume, the memoirs of then famous Henry Fothergill Chorley, James Robinson Planche, and Charles Mayne Young are offered. Lot also contains the first edition of Volume III, ''Prosper Merimee's Letters to an Incognita''. Volumes each measure 5'' x 6.875''. Volume I has expected shelf and age wear, also with partially detached paper spine. Good plus condition.