Modern Accomplishments: Or, the March of Intellect

London: William Whyte and Co., 1838. Leather. Very Good/Near Fine. 8" by 5". None. An early copy of this popular novel first published in 1836, in a charming fine binding. Seventh Thousand. Catherine Sinclair (1800-1864) was a Scottish children's writer. She was the fourth daughter of Sir John Sinclair, 1st Baronet, and acted as her father's secretary from the age of fourteen until his death in 1835. She then began writing children's stories, and captured the imagination of her young readers. For instance, her story 'Holiday House' marked a departure from the moralising tone of other writers. In Edinburgh, she was involved in charitable works, including the establishment of cooking depots and drinking fountains. She died unmarried, but her impact was significant: a monument in Edinburgh's New Town commemorates her work and describes her as 'a friend of all children'. In a full morocco binding, with gilt and blindstamped decoration and gilt edges. Externally, slightly rubbed to extremities. Hinges slightly strained. Internally, firmly bound, although the front free-endpaper has been removed. Generally bright, with foxing throughout, prominent to the margins. The titlepage has the ink signature of Florence L. Veale. Very Good