There is a unique magic in holding a book that has survived for over 150 years. I love antiquarian books. Not only were they built to last for posterity, but they were also made with remarkable beauty, often adorned with gold engraving, careful decoration, and sturdy bindings that serve as a testament to the value society once placed on the written word.
I became the joyful owner of an 1851 edition of A Practical Directory for Young Christian Females: Being a Series of Letters from a Brother to a Younger Sister by Harvey Newcomb. It is still excellent condition. One of the joys of owning antiquarian books is the surprise of finding treasures tucked within their pages left behind by previous owners. For instance, I’ve found an old note written in beautiful penmanship and even a few dried leaves pressed between the pages. I’d like to imagine these artifacts have actually survived since the mid-1800’s. 🙂
Judging a Book by Its Cover (and Its Contents)
In the case of this volume, you truly can judge a book by its cover. Besides its sturdy and lovely cover, it likewise has solid and beautiful contents. The series of letters had been written by the author to his younger sister after both of their parents died, to provide her practical guidance and wisdom for life. Though first published in 1839, much of its advice are timeless and relevant for Christian ladies today, transcending the passage of time.
The table of contents divides each chapter into sub-headings of topics for quick reference. Newcomb provides practical directions in cultivating intellectual, social, moral, and religious areas of life, including prayer, improvement of time, charity, Scripture reading & study, overcoming temptation, conduct & attitude in public worship, meditation, bodily health, mental cultivation and reading, Christian activity & duties, sound doctrine, dress, social and relative duties (to church, family, friends, etc.), submission, contentment, and self-examination.
This work has also been published under the title Young Lady’s Guide: The Harmonious Development of Christian Character. Both editions contain essentially the same content, with only minor revisions.
