ACTS OF THE ANTI-SLAVERY APOSTLES

Concord, New Hampshire: (Clague, Wegman, Schlicht, & Co., Printers), 1883. Very good plus.. Inscribed first edition of this personal history of the abolitionist movement in New England. Pillsbury was an abolitionist who worked closely with William Lloyd Garrison and Wendell Phillips. He developed a reputation as a contentious player in the cause due to his refusal to compromise within the ranks of the movement and his tendency to speak out aggressively in public meetings. Considered a radical, he was committed to multiple forms of social justice, supporting "women's rights even at the expense of his abolitionist friendships" (Robertson). This copy contains extensive notes from a late 19th-century owner about the recipient of Pillsbury's inscription, the Salem lawyer and politician William Dummer Northend (who advised the new owner of the book to "live long and drink the Rum of your country"); as well as reminiscences of other Salem-based abolitionists and their meetings. An important account from the grassroots level of the antislavery movement and social justice activism in the 19th century. Octavo. 7.5'' x 4.5''. Original plum cloth ornamented in blind, gilt-lettered spine. Green floral printed endpapers. viii, 9-503 pages. Inscribed by Pillsbury, "To / Hon. Wm. D. Northend / with fraternal regards of / Parker Pillsbury / Jan. 1st, 1886," in ink on fly leaf. Nearly three full pages penciled notes on verso of front free endpaper and two blank pages at rear. Spine sunned; light bumping and edgewear to cloth. Text clean and hinges sound.