Truth, a gift for Scribblers

William J. Snelling

Publication Date: 1832

About this Item

William J. Snelling. Truth, a gift for Scribblers. Second edition, with additions and emendations….Boston: Published by B. B. Hussey, 63, Cornhill Leonard W. Kimball…Printer 1832. 72-page 12mo ([1-3], iv-v, [1] 7-72) hardcover in original cloth, original labelon front board with owner s name in ink, owner s name on 2nd front endpaper. Signed in sixes. Very clean copy, no foxing, reddish cloth somewhat faded. Snelling was a writer whose stories about Native Americans were based on real experience living with the Dakotas, He turned his talents to poetic literary pursuits and produced this polemic against virtually all his American contemporaries. The first edition was not well-received. This second edition is about 40 percent longer, and adds to the Juvenal quote on the title page a quote from Pope s Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot, likewise a reply to harsh critics. After the preface denouncing those who criticized the first edition, there follows a much revised attack on figures in early 19th century American literary circles, including James Kirke Pauling, Grenville Mellon, and a host of others. The text consists of iambic pentameter rhyming couplets, with footnotes and inserts identifying the targets of Snelling s invective. The first edition had blanks for vowels, and left it to the reader to identify targets. The interspersed prose notes on nearly every page discuss and insult virtually every contemporary figures in literary culture in America in the period. Seller Inventory # ABE-1529182975688

Bibliographic Details

Title: Truth, a gift for Scribblers

Publication Date: 1832

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Edition: 2nd Edition