My Lady’s Toilette.
Philadelphia: C.H. Graves Company, 1911. First edition, a facsimile of the original manuscript that consists of a series of illustrations, designed and executed by the author, and presented to her niece. The title page notes that the original, “which is a treasured heirloom, is yellow with age and the ink somewhat faded, but the water colors...indicate considerable talent and artistic and artistic ability...” It is dedicated to the author, “the fair Colonial Belle who more than a century ago conceived and executed these quaintly appropriate illustrations” (f. [2]). Twenty-color illustrations of jewelry, flowers, and containers with a hinged flap, which, when lifted, reveals a different virtue (i.e. “modesty,” “good humour,” “contentment”). A near fine copy in the original very good glassine dust jacket with a few small chips and a single, closed tear, scarce in the very good original publisher’s gift box that has some light wear and very minor soiling. Twenty-color illustrations of jewelry, flowers, and containers with a hinged flap, which, when lifted, reveals a different virtue (i.e. “modesty,” “good humour,” “contentment”). Twentyfourmo (5.25” x 5.5”). [22] ff. printed on heavy paper. Item #16600
We were unable to learn much information about the Catharine Shepherd from the resources available to us, though OCLC gives her dates as 1788-1848. Each leaf of My Lady’s Toilette contains rhyming verses telling of an attribute that is becoming to a proper young woman. On the manuscript title-page, Shepherd writes, “My Lady’s Toilette: Whose adorning let it not be that outward / adorning of wearing of gold but let it be even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price” (f. [3]).
Price: $275.00