Marriage Rites, Customs, and Ceremonies of the Nations of the Universe
London: Printed By and For J. Smith, Cross-Street, Newington Butts, 1822. First Edition. Three-quarter leather bound. [NON-FICTION] [SOCIAL MORES] [WOMAN WRITER] [STIGMATIZING LANGUAGE]. First edition. 8vo; viii, 400pp; three-quarters navy goat over marbled boards; banded spine, gilt-stamped lettering; top edge gilt; marbled eps; engraved portrait of author on fp; 3 engraved illustrated plates; light wear to boards, light foxing throughout; very good. Very good. Item #1924
A history of marriage across many countries of the world, with an early 19th-century feminist essay in the preface. Lady Marianna Augusta Hamilton (d. 1892) was the wife of Sir James John Hamilton, Baronet (1802-1876). A surprisingly complete tour around the globe starts in Turkey and ends in the South Sea Islands. The author does not hold back on her commentary, and her feelings are well expressed, many times sharply and with criticism.
Price: $350.00