THE COMMEMORATIVE WREATH: IN CELEBRATION OF THE EXTINCTION OF NEGRO SLAVERY IN THE BRITISH DOMINIONS.
London: Published by Edmund Fry, 1835. [2], viii, 112 pp. Original cloth, rebacked. Title stamped in gilt on upper cover. Frontis engraving with tissue guard of black children in school, taught by elegantly dressed white teachers; and with several signs: "The Day of Our Freedom August 1st 1834", engraved by J. Crosland; "That Which I See Not Teach Thou Me"; "Shew Me Thy Ways O Lord Teach Me Thy Paths." Occasional foxing, Good plus.
A scarce work issued to celebrate the abolition of slavery in British colonies with the Slavery Abolition Act passed in 1833 and going into effect on 1 August 1834. "On the memorable day when British Colonial Slavery ceased, the 'Peckham Negro's Friend and Instruction Society' held a special meeting, with a view to 'signalizing the day of Negro Emancipation by some act of Christian benevolence," and accordingly came to the unanimous resolution of undertaking 'the charge of an Adult School, to be established in the island of Jamaica. The necessary steps were taken to effect this design; and it is the hope of aiding the the extension of its practical usefulness which has prompted a few individuals, who have long felt deeply interested in the Negro's cause, to collect into a small volume, such poems as may be within their reach, written for the most part in special commemoration of the abolition of Slavery and to apply the profit, if any, to the furtherance of the object before described."
The authors of most of these poems have signed with their initials only. This is the first edition.
LCP 2587. Item #41420
Price: $1,500.00