Adams, John Quincy | A literary gift annual inscribed by John Quincy Adams (a contributor) to his cousin

Adams, John Quincy

The Token and Atlantic Souvenir. A Christmas and New Year's Present (ed. S. G. Goodrich). Boston: Charles Bowen, 1834

8vo (163 x 107 mm). Engraved presentation plate, additional engraved title-page and 12 plates (one bound in as the frontispiece); occasional minor foxing. Original blind-blocked maroon morocco, spine lettered gilt, yellow-coated endpapers, gilt edges; head of spine chipped, upper joint cracking. Half maroon morocco slipcase, chemise.

Presentation copy, inscribed by Adams on the blank cartouche of the engraved presentation leaf: "Louisa C. Smith | from | J.Q. Adams." Adams was the contributor of a poem, "The Plague in the Forest, A Fable." Louisa Catharine Smith (1773–1857) was the daughter of Abigail Adams's brother William Smith and Louisa Catharine Salmon Smith—in other words, John Quincy's first cousin.

PROVENANCE

Louisa C. Smith (presentation inscription by John Quincy Adams) — Mrs. Philip D. Sang (Sotheby's New York, 27 March 1985, lot 22)

REFERENCE

Faxon, Literary Annuals and Gift Books 1973