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First American Edition. 6 engraved plates. [4], 42, [2, bl.], 50, 95, [1bl.], 38, 45, [1bl.], 22, 28 pp. 1 vols. 24mo. Following a general title the work includes seven separately paginated dialogues, each with individual title page (except the final one): The misfortunes of anger; Sensibility; The little trifler; The little country visitor; The distrest family; The village wedding; and The mocking bird's nest. The author explains in her Preface that unlike that of Madame de Genlis in her Theater of Education, there is no intent here that the dialogues be performed; the dialogue form is used because of her belief "that young people are easily captivated and interested by this manner of writing, and the convenience of avoiding the 'said she' and 'replied she'. "The edition published by E. Newbery in 1792 contained the first five dialogues as in this edition, but the last two were replaced by two others" (Rosenbach). A rare little American children's book: of the six copies noted by Welch, 3 are incomplete or mutilated. Evans 34381; Rosenbach 239; Welch 1008 Contemporary calf, red morocco spine label, repairs to joints, endpapers renewed. Foxing and toning. Provenance: Sarah Jane Miller (contemporary inscription noting the book as a gift from Ann Spotswood [a relation to the publisher?]) 6 engraved plates. [4], 42, [2, bl.], 50, 95, [1bl.], 38, 45, [1bl.], 22, 28 pp. 1 vols. 24mo.
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