Author: Martineau, Harriet:

Title: Dawn Island. A Tale.

Publication: Manchester: J. Gadsby, 1845.

Description: First edition. 8vo., pp.94 + engraved frontispiece and additional title page, with tissue guard between. Engraved vignette headpiece to chapter one.. Engraved title and frontispiece a little foxed, a few tiny marks here and there. Red cloth neatly rebacked, boards blind stamped with gilt centrepiece to upper, a.e.g.. Small ink blot to upper board, cloth a little darkened at edges, corners frayed, very good. Ownership inscription of William Walls(?) dated 1845 to ffep.

Harriet Martineau's (1802-1876) allegorical story, found here in red cloth, is more often seen in green or blue and, according to Sadleir, may also have been issued in other colours. The engraved title-page adds: 'Written for the National Anti-Corn Law Bazaar, May 1845'. The Bazaar was one of a number of popular events arranged by the Anti-Corn Law League, an early model for modern pressure groups, which was founded in 1839 as part of the campaign to repeal the Corn Laws. The first Bazaar was held in Manchester at the Theatre Royal in 1842. The second iteration in May of 1845, for which this volume was issued, was an event in the style of the Great Exhibition, and was held at Covent Garden in London.

Bibliography: Sadleir 1631.

Reference Number: [55009]

Price: £175

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