The Ladies' Wreath: An Illustrated Annual for MDCCCXLVIII-IX. Edited by Mrs. S.T. Martyn, New York: Martin & Ely, 1848-9, twenty-three plates - eleven hand colored & twelve b&w, missing plate: "Veronica Beccabunga -or Brooklime." 428 pp, 8.5 x 5.5", 8vo.
In poor condition. As is. Front board to p 6 detached from binding. Boards are scuffed at edges & bumped/worn at corners. Gilt lettering and deco rubbed, but overall bright and clean. Head of spine chipped - binding exposed. Top edge gilt. Frontispiece & first hand-colored plate are missing tissue guard. Water dampness staining to bottom edge of detached title page, embellishments, index, & p 5 - does not impede text. Previous ownership signature found on front paste-down. Toning & foxing throughout text-block, especially to plates. Binding is intact, front board needs repair (i.e. re-attached). Please see photos.
Includes views of Peekskill Landing, Hudson, Wall St. and Lake George. Hand colored botanical plates by L.W. Moody include Strawberry, Rose, Wild Columbine, Geranium, African Pink, Musk Mallow, White Lily, Blue Hyacinth, and Brooklime. Editor Sarah Towne Martyn (1805-1879) was known in New York as a gracious literary hostess at whose home famous reformers and writers frequently gathered. Perfect candidate for restoration. Only one plate missing.