Elsie Dinsmore [Elsie Dinsmore Series #1]

New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1896. Very Good/No Dust Jacket.

Green cloth with green titles and front border around a color paste-on. 7.5 inches tall; 316 pages. The bindings are tight and square. Text clean, light even toning. Moderate shelf handling wear. Gift inscription in pencil.. Martha Finley, an American author of children's tales in the 19th century, crafted narratives featuring virtuous protagonists celebrated for their exemplary moral fiber.

Her notable work, "Elsie Dinsmore," first published in 1867, depicted the journey of a principled Christian girl who steadfastly navigated through various trials, resisting even the subtlest temptations. Finley's dedication to Elsie's narrative spanned 27 volumes, chronicling her from youth to grandmotherhood. The series garnered widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both the United States and Britain, with sales exceeding 25 million copies.