Memoirs and Moral Productions and Selections of Miss Eliza Perkins, who Died in New York, June 20, 1823, Aged 18 Years
New York: G. Hillson for Wm. Randall, 1823. First Edition. Contains the purported memoirs of Miss Perkins (as well as anonymous prefatory matter and commentary), of whom there appears to be little information available apart from this book. The contents contain letters, poems, addresses, and quotes attributed to Miss Perkins, and reads more akin to hagiography than standard braggadocious memoir fare. It also appears that many of the passages were borrowed, verbatim, from other publications, such as the New England Tract Society (see e.g., pg. 85 “being who is transcendently glorious”).
12mo. [3, engraved allegorical frontispiece], [3]-96pp. Shoemaker 13731. Scarce in commerce, with the last copy appearing on RBH in 1970. Good in contemporary quarter brown sheepskin over worn marbled paper boards, prior owner name on flyleaf, text block is stabbed with two thongs the ends finishing on top of the boards prior to covering, some foxing, staining, missing rear endpaper. Item #228
Price: $225.00