Miracles

1809 · réf. 3837 — This is a fascinating magazine from the early 19th century United States. It is a compendium of the odd bizarre and outrageous in all spheres of the human existence. As the extended title indicates the items presented in the volume come under the descriptions of: "Miraculous! Queer! Strange! Marvellous! Whimsical! Absurd! Out of the Way! And Unaccountable!" A comparison to Ripley's Believe It Or Not from the early 20th century would not be inappropriate. Among the many oddities included are: Strange circumstances of a child born with three eyes The musical pigeon as related by Mrs. Piozzi A He-mermiad Natural history of that most extraordinary sea-animal called the Kraken An account of Edward Bright the fat man at Malden in Essex "who weigh'd 616 pounds" Account of a singular custom at Metelin in which men and women reversed roles Donald Fraser ca. 1753-1820 based on his other academic and literary output was a serious individual. He was a schoolmaster in Virginia and New Hampshire before relocating to New York where he taught for some twenty years. In addition to teaching Fraser was an author bookseller and circulating library proprietor. According to Founders Online "He authored numerous educational literary historical and political works during his long career but struggled financially." Among his published works were The Young Gentleman and Lady's Assistant New York 1791 and A Compendium of the History of All Nations New York 1809. The American Magazine of Wonders appears to exist only in the two volumes both published in 1809; no individual issues of the Magazine were located. The bound volumes do not contain title or contents pages of the individual issues. Even the periodicity of the Magazine is not known although contextual hints suggest a possible bi-weekly or semi-monthly schedule. Given the difficulty of magazine publishing at the time it's reasonable to speculate that The American Magazine of Wonders contributed to the previously mentioned financial struggles of the author. References: Kribbs American Literary Periodicals 1741-1850: 45. Lomazow American Periodicals: 82. Lewis A Guide to Engravings in American Magazines 1741-1810: p. 1 four engravings. Condition: Volume II only of 2. Half leather over marbled boards. Heavily worn: leather flaking manuscript spine title label faded library label at base of spine eroded hinges cracked foxing and staining throughout chipping and occasional small tears. "Unsophisticated" would be a generous description. All four engravings called for are present although "Peter the Wild Boy" frontis has a small loss to the upper left corner and been laid down on another sheet. ICN 7818 Printed by Southwick and Pelsue