Editoras

1856 — pp. 358 +numerous illustrations and plates of engravings, 5 beautifully hand colored flower plates and music. 16mo. 250mm. Original publisher's full blue textured cloth binding decorated in gilt with an ornate design. Spine lettered and decorated similarly in gilt. Rear board same as front. All edges gilt. Boards mildly soiled and worn around the edges. Spine darkened, gilt faded and spine worn at head and base. Corners bumped. Contents lightly foxed. Hardbound. A good copy of this rare edition. This anthology contains works by notable authors such as Orville Dewey, one of Wordsworth's American friends. Dewey's essay, 'Practical Hints on Reading', advocates reading as a means of improving the lower classes. Harriet Beecher Stowe writes 'A Sketch', juxtaposing a rich man, with an ornate, unread bible next to his bed, with a poor woman, with a well read penny edition of the bible. Too poor to buy wood, she and her children huddle together and read the bible, achieving a spiritual warmth. Once again, reading for spiritual improvement and consolation is emphasized. NW51