The Gathering of the Lilies. Illustrated by the Author, L. Clarkson, Author of with Eyes of Blue.

Philadelphia: J. L. Sibole, Co., [1877], 1877. 4to.  295 x 225 mm., [11 ¾ x 9 inches].  36 ff. Illustrated with four color lithographic plates, 8 tinted lithographs with gray and tan backgrounds, and 4 smaller black and white engravings.  Bound in publisher's green cloth, gilt title on upper board; some wear to the corners and edges of the binding, but otherwise a very good, clean copy.  Presentation inscription in pencil to G. S. Carlton from Nathan Wilmart/ August, 1880. Although little is recorded in standard reference and bibliographies of American illustrators, it is apparent from contemporary advertisements and published articles, that Lida Clarkson had a significant career as a book illustrator and teacher.  In addition to this work, which combines both her poetry and her artwork, she was responsible for similar 'gift books' such as Indian Summer  and Violet with Eyes of Blue.  Clarkson was also a teacher of art techniques for young Victorian women interested in drawing and sketching.  In an article for Ingalls Home Magazine (1887), Lida and M. J. Clarkson published instructions on "The Art of Illumination" and "Lessons in Water Color", focusing on both a history of the art forms and practical techniques for painting and drawing. This book was printed by the lithographic firm, A. Hoen & Co., Baltimore, specialists in scientific illustration and map printing.  Perhaps their most important illustrated  publications was the Collection of Chinese Pottery in the Morgan Library, a work considered the "highest class in artistic reproduction ever done in the United States." In Clarkson's work, the quality of the color of the lilies is most extraordinary.  Melding colors to create sophisticated tones, both soft and subtle was their Hoen's signature work.  As Carl Peterson writes Hoen's work, "resulted in a most beautiful result in reproduction, as near to the touch of the brush, as any process known." Whitman Bennet, Practical Guide to American 19th Century Color Plate Books,  p. 24. William Reese, Nineteenth Century American Color Plate Books, no. 60.  Carl Peters, America on Stone, pp. 218-20.