Commonplace Book of Sally Ann Waring (1804-1872) -- Melancholy, Religion, Friendship

Market Street, New York, New York, 1830. Fair. Flaws include toning, spotting, loose leaves, wear and damage to binding, at least one leaf excised.. The commonplace book of Sally Ann Waring (1804-1872), containing meaningful poetry selected to provide an intimate portrait of her internal thoughts, hopes, and passions. This example of a commonplace book is notable for its completeness (every page is full), thoughtfulness, and for the visceral way in which the creator's hopes and dreams are represented by poetry on the page. Begins with a poem titled "The Nun" by Edward Jerningham, with its title carefully penned in black letter by Waring. This particular poem sets the perfect tone for the rest of the poetry, which follows similar themes of melancholy, spirituality, friendship, mourning, and femininity. Other poets represented include Thomas Moore, Thomas Gisborne, James Montgomery, and the blind poet Edward Rushton. There are also excerpts from periodicals such as the New York Spectator, and some unidentified brief sections of prose. Single vol. (7.75" by 6.5"), approx. 75 leaves, with only a few left blank, in original three quarter roan and marbled paper sides. Waring, a New York City native, married George Underhill (1795-1868) in 1822, and had thirteen children.