signed first edition
1845 · Boston
by Sigourney, Lydia Huntley
Boston: James Monroe and Company, 1845. First edition, binding A (no priority), inscribed on the front flyleaf, "Marshall P. Wilder / From the Author". [iv, ads], iv, 319pp; blue cloth with blind vignette on front panel and gilt-stamped spine with author and title. vine-like ornaments, page size: 6-12/16 x 4-7/16 inches, engraved frontis of "Niagara Falls from the Ferry," titlepage vignette of the "Ruins of Church at Jamestown; a lovely, bright copy with the gilt strong, very good+. SCENES IN MY NATIVE LAND" is a selection of Sigourney's verse, opening with her well-received "Niagara," as well as essays and travel accounts New York State, Hartford, Boston, etc. Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791-1865), known as the "Sweet Singer of Hartford" and enjoyed a successful career as a poet, essayist, and author of "conduct literature." A popular author, she also interested herself in reform issues, especially the plight of the Native American, influencing many young women. After her death, Mrs. Sigourney came to stand in 20th-century eyes for much deemed unsatisfactory in 19th century taste. However, in recent years, her work has been more favorably re-appraised The fine penmanship in this volume reflects Mrs. Sigourney's early days as a teacher of, among other things, "chirography." BAL 17795. Sabin 80951. (Inventory #: 11173)