An absolutely charming c.1855 volume containing four original chapbooks, each published separately or purchased in bound collections, as here.
Of the works present, certainly pride of place belongs to The Christian Queen, a rather scarce and desirable early work on the life, conversion, and Christian influence of Keopuoloani [1778-1819], Queen of the Sandwich Islands / Hawaii. The biography contains the best and earliest illustrations of her and this is a nearly pristine example.
The only other significant work on the island queen was issued previous to this imprint was also in the form of a chapbook, but by Crocker & Brewster of Boston [1825].
Also of note is the third work, on a young Irish lad emigrating to the United States, etc.
Each of the four works were issued by the American Tract Society. They include:
The Christian Queen. New York American Tract Society. Nd. c.1855. 32pp.
[Bound with]
Little Nannette. A Narrative by a Bereaved Mother. New York. American Tract Society. Nd. c.1855. 32pp.
[Bound with]
The Emigrant Boy. Substantially a Narrative of Facts. New York. American Tract Society. Nd. c.1855. 32pp.
[Bound with]
The Faithful Dogs. A Narrative of Facts. New York. American Tract Society. Nd. c.1855. 32pp.
Very good condition in original blind stamped board and gold foil stamped spine binding by the ATS. A bit dulled and handled, but quite generally very crisp and clean. Contains an 1855 ownership inscription, which is also the date generally given for its first appearance in publication.
