The Influence of Literature Upon Society ... To Which is Prefixed a Memoir of the Life and Writings of the Author
Boston: W. Wells and T. B. Wait, 1813. First American edition. Hardcover. 2 volumes, period dark brown calf with dark red leather gilt spine labels, very good, mild general rubbing and wear, light cracqueleur, bookplates of the Aldis family and note from M. M. Aldis saying this was a legacy from her brother Sanford Gascombe; from a prominent Vermont family -- Asa Owen Aldis (1811-91) was a lawyer, judge and diplomat and his law partner was Gascomb(e). Very uncommon in the American edition, first published in England the year before. A progressive in politics, literature and philosophy, she counted among her intimates Benjamin Constant, Goethe who called her "an extraordinary woman," and Schlegel, whom she hired to tutor her children: although the term Romanticism was invented by Schlegel, it was De Stael's persistent use of the word that caused its spread and acceptance across Europe. In fact, it can be argued that this set of books introduced the concept of Romanticism to the American reading public. Very Good. Item #H21099
Price: $250.00