Seven Hundred Album Verses, Comprising Choice Selections of Poetry and Prose ... Compiled by J.S. Ogilvie

New York, New York: J.S. Ogilvie & Company, 1884. Good. Hinges split, toned with the occasional spot, pencil annotations including extensive annotations to lower endpaper.. A compilation of poetry and prose "suitable for writing in autograph albums, and for Valentines, Birthday, Christmas and New Year Cards" (title-page). Such compilations were popular because they served as sources for all kinds of entries, ranging from sentimental friendship album prose excerpts to humorous birthday card verses. This example contains seven sections: Dedication Verses; Sentiment and Affection; Miscellaneous; Esteem and Confidence; Humorous; Birthday Verses; and Christmas and New Year. Provides a valuable window into the material exchange of sentiment in the Victorian era through albums and greeting cards. Note the first entry, which is labeled "suitable for inscription on the title pages of albums": "Within this book ne'er may there steal, A thought to make a fair one feel A single pang of heartfelt grief, Or slightest sorrow, e'er to brief..." Single vol. (7" by 4.5"), pp. 128, in original publisher's red cloth stamped in black. Ink stamp and bookplate of Charles A. Smith.