ALDRICH, THOMAS BAILEY

Pansy's Wish: A Christmas Fantasy, With a Moral

Boston: Published for the Mass. Homeopathic Hospital by Marion & Co., n.d. [probably 1870]. First Edition; presumed second printing; original printed wrappers; faint contemporary ownership signature; an excellent copy. The Bibliography of American Literature (#270) devotes a lengthy discussion to the printing history of this book. In brief, the book was produced by the two young daughters of Aldrich’s Beacon Hill neighbor and intimate friend, Dr. Israel Talbot, to be sold at a fair held to benefit the hospital. The first printing was done on a cheap amateur press that the apparently precocious 12 year old Marion Talbot owned, then reprinting the pamphlet on a more expensive “Novelty” press which she purchased at the local Mechanics’ Fair. Marion went on to a distinguished career, primarily in higher education. Aldrich named one of his sons Talbot. All books described as first editions are first printings unless otherwise noted.

[Book #1970]

Price: $250.00