I had in view, to stimulate the minds of the daughters of England" Darton's Famous Girls

Darton, J.M. Famous Girls Who Have Become Illustrious Women of our Time Forming Models of Imitation by the Young Women of England. London, later edition. Circa 1884. Duodecimo, 5.5" x 7.25"inches. 329 pages. As issued, no dust jacket. Hardcover with beautifully illustrated crimson boards. Illustrated frontispiece in addition to ____ other black and white illustrated plates of the "illustrious women". Signed and inscribed by an aunt to her niece, and subsequently shows the youthful ownership signature of a young girl named Joan Solomon. This work highlights the lives of "famous girls" of "no single period, nor of any one station" who achieved through their deeds "the admiration and the emulation of angels." This piece gave young girls role models by raising the general consciousness of remarkable women, as well as distinguishing them from their family names which historically would be associated with the actions of the male members. The passage of this piece from aunt to niece shows an abiding interest in women's history at the time. The women profiled include Margaret Roper, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Queen Victoria. There is minimal bumping and sunning to spine. Some toning and foxing on the free endpaper. Complete with three pages of advertisements to rear. Interiors are clean and bright. Textblock tight. A very good copy.