Gems of Poetry, for Girls and Boys

Concord, N.H. Rufus Merrill, No date [c. 1850]. [POETRY]. Wrapper title: Merrill’s Pictorial Gallery. Gems of Poetry for Girls and Boys, Beautifully Illustrated, Concord, N.H.: Rufus Merrill
12mo (7 ¼” x 5 1/2”); 24pp; yellow pictorial wrappers, wood engraved illustration of a girl and boy with a globe surrounded by plants, rear wrapper a publisher’s ad for “Merrill’s Toy and Juvenile Books.”; pictorial title page with an engraving titled “View of Cincinnati”, gift inscription in top margin; one full page and illustrations in text every page; historiated letters; light soiling of wrapper, a few spots; very good plus. (Am. Antiquarian Society 216519). Item #1944

All text and illustrations surrounded by decorative borders and wonderful historiated letters start each new poem. Many have moralistic themes, a few that are so far-fetched as to evoke a smile. “If I should be poor and sick, / I shall meet, I hope, with pity; / Since I love to help the weak, / Though they’re neither fair nor witty.” A nice example of mid-19th century children’s instruction.

Price: $125.00