Views of Society and Manners in America; in a Series of Letters from that Country to a Friend in England, During the Years 1818, 1819, and 1820. By an Englishwoman
New-York: Printed for E. Bliss and E. White, 1921. First American edition with the author’s additions and corrections from the first London edition. Views of Society and Manners in America is a memoir in letters by the Scottish-born abolitionist Frances Wright on government, culture, slavery, and women’s rights in the United States. Some toning to boards. Later bookplate on front pastedown. Foxing throughout, but overall a very good, tight copy of an important work. Original half black morocco over marbled boards in red, green, and black; spine lettered in gilt. Expertly rebacked to style. Octavo. xii, 387 pp. Item #16712
Frances Wright (1795-1852) became a citizen of the United States in 1825 and dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights, the abolition of slavery, socialism, and universal education. Wright was a playwright, newspaper editor, political lecturer, and memoirist, though her writing and public speaking were ardently opposed by many who thought her outspoken nature was inappropriate for a woman. Between 1825 and 1830, she attempted to establish the Nashoba Commune, a socialist utopian community in Tennessee where enslaved people could live and receive an education. The project failed, but Wright is remembered as a dedicated social reformer, and was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994.
Price: $850.00