How To Do Good: or, Practical Lessons on the Great Science of Human Life. Designed for Frequent Reading, and Daily Use

Springfield, Massachusetts: G. and C. Merriam, 1832. Good to very good. Spotting, minor dust soiling to binding with extremities worn, spine chipped.. Published by G. and C. Merriam (i.e. George and Charles Merriam, publishers of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary), with Merriam provenance via. H.C. Rowley. "How to Do Good" is a printed pocket-sized booklet on how to conduct oneself well, written in lighthearted and plain language. Instructs reader how to "do good" in family, society, among friends, schools, in politics, church, etc. Chapter Ten is dedicated to "doing good" via books: "One important way of doing good is by means of books ... we shall necessarily be judged of by others by the books they find in our hands" (pp. 40-41). Lists authors that should be considered "highly objectionable" including Swift, Sterne, Pope, and Byron. Finishes the chapter by urging reader to always have a book at hand to offer the "poor", "ignorant" or "friendless" in society.

32mo (4" by 2.5"), pp. 112, [2], with two leaves used as pastedowns. Original blue cloth with printed paper spine label. Pencil note of provenance on rear pastedown: "H.C. Rowley Springfield Massachusetts Bought Apr 10 1915 for $1.50 of Garritt[?] W.F. Blanckfield[?] Hartford Ct." Hiram Curtis Rowley (1844-1922) married Thirza Jane Merriam (1845-1919), daughter of Homer Merriam, one of the three Merriam brothers (Charles, George, and Homer) who became famous for printing the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.