Florence Nightingale's Pet Owl, Athena, A Sentimental History

San Francisco: Grabhorn-Hoyem, 1970. Limited Edition. No binding. Fine. One of 300 copies, small quarto size, 36 pp. A charming story about Florence Nightingale's pet owl, written by her sister and published in a highly limited edition in about 1855 for private distribution. This second edition was edited by San Francisco bookseller David Magee and published on the 150th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth.

Frances Parthenope Verney (1819-1890), born Frances Parthenope Nightingale, sister to the renowned Florence Nightingale, wrote this story of the life and death of Florence's pet owl, Athena, in order to cheer Florence who was on a sickbed in Scutari. Illustrated with drawings by Lady Verney.

A set of unbound sheets, purchased by a local San Francisco binder who never got around to binding it.

___DESCRIPTION: Title page has vignette in sepia tones of Florence holding Athena perched on her hand with wings outstretched, additional charming illustrations throughout the text which are reproductions of those done by the author; small quarto, unbound sheets in five quires, thirty-six pages plus blanks.

___CONDITION: Fine, the sheets having been well protected, without wear or soil.

___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply; please inquire for details.

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