The World's Cotton Centennial Exposition Poem
New Orleans: L. Graham & Son, Printers, 1885.
First Edition. Softcover. Very good. 10 pp, in original sewn wrappers. Light edgewear, small spot of insect damage on back cover. Very good. Mary Ashley Townsend (1832-1901) was prolific and well-regarded writer from a prominent New York family who settled in New Orleans upon her marriage in 1856. She is best known as a poet, but also wrote humorous skethes and essays. "Although Townsend was northern-born, she was regarded as a southern writer. At her funeral, John R. Ficklen of Tulane University observed, 'Some of her most beautiful poems were inspired by the scenes of our Southland, and in rank she certainly stood among the first poets of the State”'(Times-Democrat, 8 June 1901). Townsend became completely enmeshed in southern life. She was a member of the Louisiana Historical Society, which named her as the poet laureate of Louisiana" (ANB). She was also the first American invited to join the "Liceo Hidalgo", a prestigious Mexican literary club.
Item #22880
Price: $90.00