Beauties and Achievements of the Blind

Rochester, N.Y.: Self-Published, 1880. Very Good condition hardcover. The purpose of this thought-provoking and compelling book from the 19th Century was to remove the prejudices in the non-blind population that thwarted blind people from making a living in their respective fields and stopped them from reaching their full potential as skilled professionals. Secondly, the book was meant to inspire and educate the blind themselves, who often accepted the notion popular in the general population that they were useless, dependent, even parasitical members of society who could expect no better than to live on charity. The authors themselves were born in western New York State. William Artman lost his sight at the age of eighteen, while L.V. Hall's blindness was congenital. Both were educated at the New York Institution for the Blind. Both were pioneers and in this ground-breaking work, doubtless inspired those who followed. Without Artman and Hall, there might never have been an Annie Sullivan to teach and inspire a Helen Keller. This fascinating work provides biographies of numerous eminent blind authors, poets, scientists, lawyers, physicians, musicians, and those in miscellaneous occupations. The book even includes a section of poems written by L.V. Hall and other blind poets, including Frances Brown, Margaret Belches, and Michael M'Guire. The handsome 124-year-old volume is in very good condition. It has a blind-stamped purple cloth with gilt die-stamped titles on the front panel and spine. It has beveled edges. See photo. There is some light fading of the spine, and a tiny tear at the spine crown. As for the interior, the pages are clean and bright, and the binding is secure. There are no signatures or inscriptions from former owners. There is a hinge split in the rear. There is an attractive frontis illustration with tissue guard, as well as a laid-in card with raised letters stating from Isaiah 42, 16: "And I will bring the Blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in Paths that they have not known; I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." The card has a tear parallel to the page seam. The book measures 5 ¼ by 7 ¾ inches and includes 387 pages.. Hard Cover. Very Good/No Jacket. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.