The Civil War touched virtually every family in some way. Thus, when Ticknor and Fields, the publishers of Atlantic Monthly and North American Review, was launched in January 1865, it was greeted as a intelligent monthly ideal for children ages 10 to 18. The publication could draw on some of the top writers and illustrators in the US. By 1866, when these three publications were issued, The Young Folks had overcome many of the bumps associated with the launch of a new monthly. It had three editors: Gail Hamilton (pseudonym for Mary Abigail Dodges), wellknown journalist Lucy Larcom and respected novelist J.T. Trowbridge. Quite a triumvirate of well respected writers and editors for a children’s magazine! Because of its connection with Atlantic and North American Review, Our Young Folks also used illustrations from such illustrators as Winslow Homer and S.S. Kilburn, both of whom contributed to at least one of these issues. Thus, this magazine was not your ordinary periodical aimed at children. It was a magazine aimed at intelligent young people and/or parents who wanted to give their children the best of illustrations, stories, puzzles, songs and poetry. In other words, it was a special publication that only survived from 1865 to 1873. These three issues have their condition issues. The edges are worn; there are stains; but there is no writing inside – and aside from edge wear there are no tears. (One corner is missing in the February issue). The February issue is missing its back cover. Bottom of the bottom right corner of October issue is worn away (I don’t know how else to describe it but it does not interfere with the editorial material in the magazine.
Here is the lot you will be receiving in this buy it now.
1. Our Young Folks: An Illustrated Magazine for Boys and Girls, Feb. 1866 (Vol. 2: 2), Features stories by Hamilton, Trowbridge, Lucretia Hale and others. Illustrations include J.N. Hyde and others. But my favorite part of this whole issue are the puzzles. Even 21st century children will try to solve them!
2. Our Young Folks: An Illustrated Magazine for Boys and Girls, July 1966 (Vol. 2: 7). Features stories by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Larcom, Elsie Teller, T.W. Higginson and others. Illustrations include S.S. Kilburn, Winslow Homer and others. Puzzles are great and ads feature a remedy for Gout – what child has gout? Books and other products.
3. Our Young Folks: An Illustrated Magazine for Boys and Girls, Oct. 1866 (Vol. 2: 10), Features stories by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lucy St. John and others, Illustrators include Harry Fenn, Harrison Weir and others. Great puzzles and fun for youngster. Bottom right corner has worn away,