Childrens. Richardson, Samuel. The History of Sir Charles Grandison, Abridged...from the Tenth London Edition. [and] Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady. Abridged from the Works of Samuel Richardson. Suffield [CT] Printed by Havila & Oliver Farnsworth, for Oliver D. & I. Cooke, Book-Sellers Hartford, 1798
Two volumes bound together. 12mo; 143pp; 138pp; + advertising leaf for other "small" books sold by the Cooke's. Full contemporary calf, spine with original leather label, "Novels for Youth", ex-libris of Frank Hogan on front pastedown, early ink ownership signature of H. M. Hunt, fine. Welch 1104.5 citing 5 copies, all with both titles. Evans 34465, 34463. There appears to be little known about Havila Farnsworth who was born in 1769. Neither she nor Oliver (1775-1859), presumably her husband, are cited in the usual sources on early American printers. She is not listed in Hudak or Barlow. Their careers as printers appears short-lived. AAS cites some 30 items printed by Havila and Oliver Farnsworth, including this title, a journal and three broadsides, two primers, a funeral oration, other children's titles, and Rhode Island Laws. All are dated 1797, 1798, or 1799. There is a note that in the summer of 1798, the Farnsworth's moved their press from Suffield, CT to Newport, RI. This title is one of not more than 25 titles printed by Havila and Oliver Farnsworth.
$US700
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