Fact not Fiction; or, The Remarkable History of Mrs. Louisa Liscum with an Appendix
New York: Wm. C. Martin, 1840.
First Edition. Hardcover. Good. 6 x 4 inches, pp viii, [1], 10-71, [1] (errata), in publisher's green cloth stamped in blind and gilt. Moderate foxing throughout, frontis portrait of the author lacking, but still a good of a scarce book. The Appendix is titled "Times of Refreshing; or, A Narrative of a Revival of Religion at Patchogue, L.I. in 1834 & 1835." This account of a pious woman whose selfless devotion to the spiritual nurturing of others led to spiritual renewal in her community reflects common sentiments about the social role of women in nineteenth century America generally, and particularly during the period of revival and reform known as the Second Great Awakening. Women were seen as critical to maintaining social order by providing moral guidance to their families and serving as role models of Christian piety. Thus Gammage writes that while Louisa Liscum "endeavored to to utmost of her ability to promote the present comfort and happiness of her children, she regarded their spiritual and eternal interests as supremely important, and as demanding her first and chief attention." Moreover, as she prayed for the spiritual well-being of her own family, "her tears were witnessed in the house of God" and "many of the careless became deeply anxious about their own eternal interests, and came forward in the prayer meetings to request an interest in the prayers of God's people." American Imprints 40-2547. Three copies located in OCLC.
Item #21029
Price: $200.00