The History of the Standard Oil Company by TARBELL, Ida M - 1904

New York: McClure, Phillips & Co, 1904. First Edition. Hardcover. Very good +. Octavo, 2 volumes, illustrated. 406pp.; 409pp. A very good or slightly better set, crisp and clean, in the publisher's red cloth. Spines perhaps half a shade darkened, though the gilt is as bright as when new. Spine ends very gently frayed, some waviness to the tops of the last few leaves in volume II (not at all stained), and there is a tiny previous owner's name on the front free endpaper of each volume. Handsome contemporary bookplate belonging to a woman on the front paste-down of each volume. As is the case on every copy we've encountered, a few of the inner hinges are cracked, though not dramatically. Altogether a sound, pleasing set. Many scholars consider Ida M. Tarbell's unprecedented expose on the various schemes, arrangements, and back room deals that John D. Rockefeller and his associates engaged in to enrich the Standard Oil Company as the first great work of modern investigative journalism. Originally published serially in McClure's Magazine, this is the first edition of the book, which was immensely popular, and eventually led to the breakup of Standard's various monopolies. Complete sets in presentable condition without restoration are scarce in commerce. An historic, genre-defining work by a pioneering female journalist. Howes T33 (aa).