Author: CARMICHAEL, Mrs
Title: Beginnings. / Obedience and Disobedience
Description: London, William Tegg, 1862. 1st edition. Hardcover. pp. 316, ads.16mo,,Recently re-bound in blue buckram with gilt lettering,This is a mystery book as, despite diligent effort, nothing can be discerned about the author, or either title. The publisher is well-known, for the period, but the only reference to a Mrs. Carmichael, is that of a Mrs. A. C. Carmichael, the author of 'Domestic Manners and Social Conditions of White, Coloured, and Negro Population of the West Indies', first published in 1833. Given the span of time, it is unlikely the two are the same. The first tale of which Mrs. Carmichael writes ('Beginnings', pp. 1 to 124) is a common one of the time: poor girl makes good by reading her bible and following its teachings. It is a gloomy tale, befitting its Scottish setting, and not particularly well-written. The second tale ('Obedience and Disobedience', pp. 125 to 316) is on much the same line, except that the protagonist is a young lad with a penchant for being disobedient. That being said, none of the major librairies claim a copy in their holdings, and none are currently offered for sale on the internet. On the original front endpaper, there is an elegant inscription: 'Reward of Merit Presented to: Mr. George Murray / by S.S. No. 1 Howard / C. McCormick / Teacher'. Presumably 'S.S.' is Sunday School. All edges of the text are gilded. The rather pedestrian re-bind is in very good condition, with a bit of wear and scuffing. The text shows the odd spot of foxing and soiling, but is overall in good plus condition. Twenty per cent off the price of this book to anyone who can correctly identify the author and inidcate her background. With a 36 page catalogue, at the end of the book, of ads for the publisher's books. .

Keywords: Religion;;;;;;;;


See more books from our catalog: Literature