1857 · New York
by STODDARD, Richard Henry
New York: Dix, Edwards & Co, 1857. [JUVENILE]. A. BOBBETT, engraver. 12mo; 71pp; red glazed cloth over board, blind-stamped fillets with corner ornaments, gilt-stamped title on front and spine; pale blue endpapers; gift inscription from a teacher to a pupil on the ffep; 9 small engraved illustrations; light hand soiling to boards, scrape on the front board; near fine. A sweet dedication from the author to his "blue-eyed boy of two summers" informs him that he is the hero of the first story, "Town and Country," where the advantages of life in towns and in the country are debated. The second story, "The Voices in the Shells" is a story in Fairy Land, introducing us to King Oberon, Queen Tatania, Queen Mab, Puck, the Toad-King, and the fairies. Both stories are unusual for this time period for their lack of religious overtures. A wonderful engraving of Queen Mab riding on the back of a bat appears on page 28.
Richard Henry Stoddard (1825-1903) was an American author and poet. Early in his career, he contributed to the Knickerbocker Magazine, Putnam's Monthly Magazine, and the New York Evening Post. He was later an editor at Vanity Fair and The Aldine, a typographical and art journal. This book is an early publication. (Inventory #: 1956)
Richard Henry Stoddard (1825-1903) was an American author and poet. Early in his career, he contributed to the Knickerbocker Magazine, Putnam's Monthly Magazine, and the New York Evening Post. He was later an editor at Vanity Fair and The Aldine, a typographical and art journal. This book is an early publication. (Inventory #: 1956)