Early Republic era chapbook of this fascinatingly fatalistic little work about aging and death a rare survival. OLD AGE, a simple look at the slow decline of health and eventual death of the elderly, works as both a memento mori for human life and for chapbooks. "Children are naturally destructive," observes A. S. W. Rosenbach, "and from time immemorial have realized that the purpose of books was to provide them with a 'feast' of reason [.] the wonder is that and specimens of early American children's books are in existence today" (xxvii). This copy of OLD AGE exhibits evidence of efforts to prolong its life in the form of a grey paper wrapper applied over its original, well-loved brocade paper wrapper. The title does not appear in either Rosenbach's EARLY CHILDREN'S BOOKS or the Osborne Collection. 3.5'' x 2''. Original silver and grey brocade paper wrapper with contemporary grey paper wrapper over. Pictorial title page with seven woodcut illustrations. 8 leaves with alphabet to verso of title page. Contemporary initials to top of title page. Contemporary gift inscription to inner front wrapper, "Mary Hobart / A present from / her cousin / Ruth Fowler." Over-wrapper with some edgewear and light spots of toning. Brocade paper wrapper with some general wear and scuffing, design and metallic silver accents largely perished. Leaves with mild edgewear and scattered foxing. A sound copy of an ephemeral work. Seller Inventory # 44931

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Bibliographic Details

Title: OLD AGE

Publisher: Samuel Wood & Sons; Samuel S. Wood & Co, New-York; Baltimore

Publication Date: 1820

Condition: Very good.

Store Description

Type Punch Matrix is a rare book firm founded by Rebecca Romney and Brian Cassidy. Between them, they bring over 30 years of experience in the antiquarian book trade. TPM sells a mixture of beloved classics and innovative texts from throughout print history, for collectors and institutions alike. Handpress and modern books, archives and manuscripts, letterpress and ephemera: TPM aims to make collecting both more accessible and more diverse, and believes in the mindful acquisition, preservation, and celebration of the materials of our literary cultures.

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Type Punch Matrix Inc.
1111 East West Highway, Suite 300, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, U.S.A.

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