Columbian Entertainments, Consisting of Dramas, Colloquies, Poems, Tableaux, Pantomimes

Peopria, Illinois: J. W. Franks & Sons, Printers and Binders, 1892. First Edition. Very good. First edition; 8 1/2 x 6 1/4; pp. [11], 10-210; gray cloth over boards, decorated with an elaborate border in black; gilt title to front board; small rubbed spots to tips of spine and corners; a bit of age-darkening and spotting to margins; small gift inscription to first blank leaf; in very good condition.According to the author, as it was a "Columbian year," she had prepared the book with the hope that it would inspire delight in Columbian studies. To make it more interesting, instead of presenting dry historical facts, she had chronologically arranged the chapters to include dramas, poems, music, etc., related to Columbus.In the meantime, at the first executive session of the Illinois Woman's Exposition Board in September of 1891, a proposal was made that a copy of every book written by women of Illinois would be collected and displayed at the Columbian Fair, to show the intellectual development of the women of the state. A copy of the current one would make the list and would be exhibited at the Exposition.