We’ve recently acquired a collection of the works of American author E.D.E.N. Southworth (1819-1899). Active in the latter half of the nineteenth century, “Mrs. Southworth” was the author of some 60 popular novels that were as widely read as the works of Twain, Harriet Beecher Stowe, or Susan Warner in their time.
Her works were often first serialized, primarily in the New York Ledger, but also in The National Era (the same paper that first serialized Uncle Tom’s Cabin). This group of over 40 novels, some of them first editions, covers the scope of her writing career from the 1850s through some early 20th century reprints. A few are in their original pictorial dust jackets from the ‘teens, which adds to their interest. Recently, there is increased scholarly interest in Southworth’s works, and some of her novels such as Ishmael and The Hidden Hand are still taught in colleges and universities.
Here are some good examples of early 20th century book covers and an early jacket.
-JM
