Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin and Company, 1890.

First edition of Jewett’s novel concerning a young woman coming back to rural life in America after living abroad. 15 year old Betty Leicester elects to stay with her aunts Barbara and Mary in their New England home while her father is travelling in Alaska. True to form, Jewett describes the rolling countryside and wild Atlantic coast contrasting with the poor social conditions of the aunt’s home village. Jewett intentionally directed the story to young women and girls, writing in an accessible style in this coming-of-age tale.

A charming book, in pocket format designed to be carried and read - perhaps outdoors.

Small 4to., two-tone red and cream cloth, prettily lettered and blocked in red to upper board with the print of a Chrysanthemum to the upper cover; lettered and decorated in a similar fashion gilt to spine; upper edge gilt; pp. [xi], 2-287, [iii]; a very good copy, with some light staining and shelf wear to boards; a couple of darker stains along the spine; internally evenly toned with the odd spot and finger mark; but a very uptogether copy overall.