Among the Isles of Shoals

Title: Among the Isles of Shoals

Author: Thaxter, Celia

Publication: Boston: James R. Osgood and Company, 1873.

Description: First edition, first printing of Celia Thaxter's book of essays exploring the natural history, daily life, and fishing culture of the Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire, including her own experiences growing up there. Title page printed in red and black, with vignette. Plates depicting scenes from the Isles of Shoals. Bound in publisher's full terracotta cloth over boards, stamped in blind and gilt, blue-coated endpapers, all edges stained red. 6 x 4.5 inches; 184 pages, [4] leaves of plates. Contemporary pencil note by former owner on front free endpaper. Later acquired by Arthur Williams Hall (1873–1952) of Massachusetts, bibliophile and manufacturer of laboratory equipment, with his pencil note on verso of the front free endpaper; thence by descent through three generations. Binding with a couple small spots of soiling and moderate lean to spine; a clean and crisp interior. Very Good+. Conforms to first printing point described in BAL, with sheets bulk at 5/8-inch.

Underappreciated today, Celia Thaxter (1835-1894) was celebrated in her time for her often nature-themed poetry and prose. As hostess of her father's Appledore Hotel on Appledore Island, Thaxter welcomed and befriended many well-known literary and artistic figures of the time. Many of her romantic poems are addressed to women, leading some modern scholars to identify her as a lesbian. In "Alone," she writes, "I would have given my soul to be / That rose she touched so tenderly!" She is also the author of the true crime essay "A Memorable Murder" about a double homicide on Smuttynose Island. Reference: Blanck, J. Bibliography of American literature (BAL), 19848.1.