Published by Richard Bentley, London, 1844
Seller: Dale Steffey Books, ABAA, ILAB, Bloomington, IN, U.S.A.
First Edition
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket, As Issued. First Edition. Presentation Inscription front end page -"Sally Reahard from Ruth Lilly - 1938". A wonderful book collecting Association Copy. "An elderly Indianapolis recluse, a fortune in Eli Lilly & Co. stock and a penchant for phenomenal donations to non-profits -- it could describe Ruth Lilly, the $100 million benefactor of the Chicago-based Poetry Foundation. Or perhaps a kindred spirit named Sally Reahard." (Chicago Tribune, Feb. 16, 2004). Sally Reahard bequeathed $70 million to the Nature Conservancy in 2003, the largest gift the Conservancy had ever received. Sally was a noted book collector as well, and Ruth was the daughter of J.K. Lilly, Jr. whose fabulous book collection was the foundational collection for Lilly Library at Indiana University. The Tribune article continues -" Both were longtime investors in Eli Lilly who just saw their holdings go up and up." One can almost imagine that the title of this particular book was an inside joke between these ladies. The book is Near Fine, light rubbing at edges. Finely bound in half polished black calf, floral gilt decorated back with red morocco label, marbled end papers, top edge gilt. v, 177 + (3) adverts.With 48 humorous wood-cut text illustrations. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Book.