Evidence of Emily Dickinson’s use
Oct 28th, 2011 by houghtonmodern
Here’s an early Halloween “treat” for followers of the ongoing digitization of the Dickinson family library. It’s been longer than we anticipated since the last digital book appeared, a pause caused by a switch in software in our imaging department. Now, however, the bugs seem to be fixed, and we hope to resume a steadier rate of four to five books appearing every month.
This month focuses on George Eliot and the Brownings, authors whose work Emily Dickinson particularly enjoyed and admired, and whose influence on Dickinson is the subject of much current enquiry. Additionally, we offer two books on the more “domestic” side: an almanac the poet mined for pictures, and a book on “practical subjects” given by a perhaps frustrated Edward Dickinson to his non-domestic daughter when she was 32.
Eliot, George, 1819-1880. Adam Bede. New York: Harper, 1860. EDR 512. A Christmas gift from Susan to Emily.
Eliot, George, 1819-1880. The mill on the floss. New York: Harper, 1860. EDR 149. Emily Dickinson’s copy.
Eliot, George, 1819-1880. The Spanish gypsy: a poem. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1868. EDR 150. Emily Dickinson’s copy.
Browning, Elizabeth Barrett, 1806-1861. Aurora Leigh. New York; Boston: C. S. Francis & Co., 1857. EDR 197. Susan Dickinson’s copy. (See one of the pages with pencilled marks in the margin, below)
Browning, Robert, 1812-1889. Dramatis personœ. Boston: Ticknor and Fields, 1864. EDR 239. Susan Dickinson’s copy.
The New England primer improved: for the more easy attaining the true reading of English: to which is added The Assembly of Divines, and Mr. Cotton’s Catechism. Boston, printed by Edward Draper, at his Printing-office, in Newbury-Street, and sold by John Boyle in Marlborough-Street, 1777. Hartford, Conn.: Published and sold by Ira Webster, 1843 [i.e. 1850?] EDR 225 Another instance of Emily taking her scissors to one of her father’s books. (See the image above)
Sprague, William Buell, 1795-1876. Letters on practical subjects, to a daughter. Albany: E.H. Pease, 1851. EDR 528. Given by Edward Dickinson to his daughter in April 1862.