Father Alfred's Elements of Knowledge

London: Printed for John Harris [by S. and R. Bentley, 1828] First edition, a work of rudimentary theology, astronomy, natural history, and geography for youth, supposedly published from the papers of a deceased "friend," with a few of Fletcher's own "emendations" and "improvements. Contemporary quarter maroon sheep over marbled boards, gilt spine. . Twelvemo. Engraved frontispiece, dated 1828. Binding extremities slightly rubbed, corners worn. Light foxing, minor offsetting from frontispiece. A very good, clean copy. With the exception of him being the Vicar of Stone, we were unable to learn anything about William Fletcher from the resources available to us. In his "Introduction," Fletcher writes, "Inspecting a few months back the literary relics of a departed friend, I stumbled upon a bundle of papers, containing some account of his early life, and the course of instruction he at that time pursued…Trusting it may promote the best interests of those little ones for whom it is intended, by leading them to a more intimate knowledge of their kind and beneficent Creator, through a display of the varied and wonderful manifestations of His power and goodness…" (pp. v-vii). Fletcher's "friend" then relates his life story, exploring the work's subjects through his youthful relationship with his father.