Prue and I by George William Curtis, Introduction by M. A. DeWolfe Howe. Issued by T. Y. Crowell & Company Circa 1900 - 1905 . Book has a Frontispiece Portrait of Curtis, and 4 monochrome Plate Illustrations.

"Prue and I" by George William Curtis, is a series of light-hearted sketches of everyday life in mid-nineteenth century America. Originally published in 1856, "Prue and I" was much admired and read by the reading public, and went through many editions. The edition offered here was copyrighted in 1899, and this particular copy was likely issued around 1900 - 1905. It has a lovely frontispiece portrait of Curtis and a few black-and-white plate illustrations through the text. Curtis was one of the most highly esteemed orators of his day. He was an active abolitionist and gave speeches in support of President Lincoln's "Emancipation Proclamation" (Curtis had been one of the founders of the new Republican party) He was also editor of both "Putnam's Magazine" and "Harper's Magazine". A tireless champion of reform, appointed by President Grant to chair the commission on the reform of the Civil Service. he was President of the National Civil Reform League.Curtis was also one of the original members of the Board of Education for New York City and actively supported educational reforms. What an active life for public service! In between it all he found time to pen a few good books. An interesting side-note. Curtis married Anna Shaw, daughter of abolitionist Robert Shaw. she was the sister of Robert Gould Shaw, who was the gallant Union Army Colonel who commanded the famous all-black 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. Shaw was killed in the Second Battle of Fort Wagner. The movie "Glory" is based on Shaw's life. "PRUE AND I" CHAPTERS - Introduction - To the Reader - Dinner-Time - My Chateaux - Sea from Shore - Titbottom's Spectacles - A Cruise in the Flying Dutchman - Family Portraits - Our Cousin the Curate TITLE : Prue and I Author : George William Curtis (1824 - 1892) INTRODUCTION : M. A. DeWolfe Howe IMPRINT : T. Y. Crowell & Company PLACE : New York DATE : (©1899) This copy likely issued circa 1900 - 1905 PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION : Trade hardcover; contains a frontispiece portrait of the author and 4 plate illustrations in black-and-white; has an Introduction; [xxii] + 234 pages; 4 3/4" x 7 1/4" (12mo); decorated green cloth, with title and decorative embellishment in gold on spine and decorative embellishment in gold placed at center on front board (both embellishments of a floral nature). CONDITION -- VERY GOOD -- This is a previously owned book that remains clean and presentable, with the following particulars noted: EXTERIOR : Compression and modest abrasion to spine extremities - fraying just starting - color is faded and gilt is dulled - still displays cleanly; boards display mild wear, including light surface rub and a few scattered small spots - rear board has some transparent "splash" staining and a bit of staining from "ink?" - this is not egregious (see picture); edge wear is moderate and includes modest shelf rub to bottom, softly bumped corner tips and one small ding to rear board's fore-edge which has caused a small break to cloth surface - gilt embellishment displays brightly; text-block edges are clean. BINDING - Sound - the book has obviously been read, and the leaves open readily, but no leaves are detached or loose. INTERIOR - Clean and presentable with but modest signs of use.…