[WOMEN'S LITERATURE - ENGLAND]. Correspondence between a Mother and her Daughter at School

London: Taylor & Hessey, 1821. Fifth edition. Near Fine. 12mo. Engraved frontispiece, pp. 4, 164 + [4 pp. ads], edges untrimmed. Original drab paper-covered boards (small spot on front cover), printed paper spine label (trifle abraided; very minor occasional foxing). A "COURTESY BOOK" WRITTEN FOR A YOUNG WOMAN WHILE AT SCHOOL. THAT SHE WAS AWAY FROM THE HOME AT ALL IS IN ITSELF REMARKABLE; THAT SHE WAS ACTUALLY ATTENDING AN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION IS MORE SO.

The present volume of "Correspondence" brings to light matters of the expected etiquette of a young woman, socially acceptable behavior, and her personal morals. Interestingly, the Advertisement states that the book was written "For the purpose of conveying instruction to young people [and not simply girls] at School.''

Not surprisingly, our copy was actually owned by a woman, and bears the presentation inscription on the front free endpaper: "To Jemima Graham from her affectionate sister Mary Anne Chester Dec. 9 1828." It comes from the astounding collection of books in original publisher's boards formed by Jonathan E. Hill, author of several articles on the subject, such as "Early Boards in the London Market" (PBSA, 2020), '"Collecting Books in Boards" (The Private Library, 2015), "Minerva at Aberdeen: A. K. Newman and Books in Boards" (Romantic Textualities: Literature and Print Culture, 1780-1840, 2006), "From Provisional to Permanent: Books in Boards 1790-1840" (The Library, 1999), and others. With Hill's discreet yet very distinctive "J.E.H." monogram in pencil on page 12, as commonly.