Prairie Printer (Inscribed First Edition), (Includes Author's Loose Leaf Production of 'Ballad of Three Printers')

Medary, Marjorie

Published by Longmans, 1949

About this Item

Inscribed First Edition (with a unique insert) of an interesting bit of Americana -- a young adult novel of the domestic heroism of pioneer printers in the 19th century American Middle West. In the novel, a young Ohio printer seeks adventure by migrating to the rugged environs of pre - Civil War Iowa. A true Little House on the Prairie of lead type, author Marjorie Medary draws upon and celebrates the actual experiences of her grandather in constructing the tale. In a particularly keen tribute, this copy includes a fine press, single sheet broadside "A Ballad of Three Printers," doggerel devised and publihed by a trio of Iowa printers that included her grandfather in the 1850s. ( "Come All Ye Brother Printers/ Who Are Incline to Roam", it begins.) The piece was reproduced by Marjorie Medary in a facsimile edition at a fine press workshop in 1949. The book is warmly inscribed by Marjorie Medary to a previous owner on the half title page. There is an additional, non-author, gift inscription on the facing page. Red cloth, 288 pages, illustrated. Includes an interesting bibliography of historical reference sources at back. The book has light general wear. The "Ballad of Three Printers" is twice folded and placed at the front of the book.

Seller Inventory # 007622

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Prairie Printer (Inscribed First Edition), (Includes Author's Loose Leaf Production of 'Ballad of Three Printers')
• Publisher: Longmans
• Publication Date: 1949
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)