Beautiful but quite common 1881 poetry book: "Farm Festivals"

It's rare to come across a book that's 144 years old, is incredibly common and isn't the Bible. But that's the case with this gorgeous hardcover book, Farm Festivals. It's a book of poems penned by Will Carleton (1845-1912) that was published in 1881 by Harper & Brothers of New York. 

Carleton, a Midwesterner, wrote sentimental poems about farm life and rural America, appealing to readers’ nostalgia for a simpler lifestyle as industrialization spread. His collections were very popular and went through numerous printings.

An article in The Kansas City Times on December 19, 1912, reporting Carleton's death states:

"Will Carleton's name is a household word in America and not unknown in many English homes. He was essentially a 'people's poet,' and it was a certain homeliness of theme and simplicity of treatment that sent his poems straight to the hearts of the people. Much of his verse was of a timely nature and probably no American poet, unless it be James Whitcomb Riley, was more popular with the school children."

This popularity means Carleton's books are not hard to find in the 21st century and, unless there is something unique about an individual volume, the books do not sell for very much. A quick glance finds copies of Farm Festivals selling on AbeBooks for $3, $5 and $6. 

If you'd like, I'll send you my copy of the book, free of charge. Just shoot me an email at chrisottopa (at) gmail.com, and help me with my decluttering. If you'd like, you can make a modest donation to your local food bank or library in lieu of sending me anything. First come, first served.

Here are some peeks inside the book, which appears to have multiple uncredited illustrators: