Description

Stephens, Mrs. Ann Sophia (1810-1886). The Complete Ladies’ Guide to Crochet, Fancy Knitting, and Needlework. 18 Ann-St., New York: Garrett & Co., 1854. Oblong 12mo, decorative royal blue blind-stamped cloth, gilt-stamped title on upper cover and spine, blind-stamped title on lower cover. 117 pp., [2 ads], 6 fold-out color plates including frontis., b&w illus.

First and only edition. An attractive and fascinating compendium of information about Crochet, Embroidery, Knitting and Tatting; including a 19 pp. history of needlework, dictionary of terms, instructions and patterns. Describes Berlin work and canvas embroidery and includes 6 fold-out plates of patterns illustrating instructions for Anti-Macassars, Deep Point Lace, knitted baskets, an infant’s cap gown, collars, edgings, insertions, gentlemen’s knitted braces, etc. The 6 fold-out plates measure 8” x 18”, including margins, all entitled “The Ladies Own Book, and Companion to the Work Table” with “Garrett & Co., 18 Ann St., N. Y.” printed at the foot. The Frontis fold-out (Part I) has 10 brown patterns on yellow paper, with a crease and 2” tear at foot, no loss; Fold-out Part II has 9 brown patterns on yellow paper, 3” tear at foot, no loss; Fold-out Part III has 7 blue patterns on pink paper with crease at foot, 1” tear, no loss; Fold-out Part IV has 11 blue patterns on pink paper, with crease and 1” tear at foot, no loss, some soiling; Fold-out Pattern V has 8 green patterns on light brown paper, 2” tear at foot, no loss; the last fold-out pattern is labeled Part IV again, has 7 green patterns on light brown paper, with a crease, 1” tear, no loss. Ann Sophia Stephens (1810-1886)) was an editor and author, best known as one of the originators of the dime novel. After marrying Edward Stephens and settling in Portland Maine, Stephens and her husband founded the Portland Magazine for Women, thus starting a career in magazine editing and serial writing. Moving to New York, she edited the Ladies Companion and other magazines, penned and published romantic, historical serials and used the pseudonym Jonathan Slick to write humorous sketches. In 1860, Beadle and Co. reprinted one of her three-part serials, “Malaeska: The Indian Wife of the White Hunter” in a dime novel format which became a best seller and spurred the success of this new popular genre.

CONDITION: Good, with foxing on endpapers, light foxing throughout, previously noted fold-out conditions, otherwise clean, sound and very appealing.
 

Terms and Conditions

All of the items we offer are guaranteed to be as described. We do not sell facsimiles or reproductions, and strive to be as accurate as possible in dating the items offered.
 
Please see our other listings for a fine selection of books, prints, photographs, paper, and art!
 
 
 
Our Policies
 
Buyer is responsible for all shipping charges, including insurance, if desired. We ship through the United States Postal Service and UPS. While all items are professionally and securely packaged, we recommend insurance, as we cannot accept responsibility for lost or damaged items.
 
Payment must be received within two weeks of commitment to purchase, or the item will be relisted. We prefer Paypal, but will consider other payment options.
 
 
For International Buyers
 
We adhere to all customs regulations and state the purchase price as the value for all items on customs forms, as required by law.
 
All import duties, taxes, fees and charges are the responsibility of the buyer, and are not included in the purchase price.