About this Item
London / Dublin, 1852: H. Bailliere / James McGlashan. W. Davy & Sons, printers (London). First Edition. See scans. 12mo, [x], 256 pp + 1 pp seance ads. Original brown cloth, spine lettered in gilt. Publisher's piece with ads for approx. 48 titles on mesmerism, with authors, expanded titles, prices and brief descriptions, is tipped in at the front pastedown. True and very scarce first edition of this title, a very early genre piece. The author, Adin Ballou (1803-1890), was the founder of the utopian community at Hopedale, Massachusetts and a leading 19th century exponent of pacifism. Also, during his long career, was a Universalist, a Restorationist, a Practical Christian, and a Unitarian minister. As an untiring reformer, he sought to bring his Christian and socialist vision of society into practice. In his last year of life Ballou corresponded with the novelist, Leo Tolstoy. Some of Ballou's works were sent to Tolstoy, who had them translated into Russian. Though Ballou disapproved the passivity of Tolstoy's pacifism and thought his theology "untrue, visionary, chaotic, and pitiably puerile," Tolstoy was much impressed with Ballou. This book contains a collection of authentic statements concerning phenomenal demonstrations, together with interesting communications purporting to have come from departed spirits. Publisher's folding advertising printed paper slip, dated January 1853, tipped-in on the front pastedown, with old bookseller's stamp behind that. Light stains to covers, mild rubbing, spine ends and corners a bit bumped; front hinge starting to crack, soiling and faint foxing to contents; else very good. See scans. l49n. Seller Inventory # 000692
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