Mrs. Hope [Margaret Hope] — The Knitter&Apos;S Friend

Ramsgate, Kent, I. Hope, 1847. Paperback. A rare copy of this little handbook on knitting, containing items and instructions, used by various working class women wishing to earn more money. A very scarce copy of The Knitter's Friend: Original Receipts in Knitting and Netting, written by Mrs. Margaret Hope. Published by I. Hope in 1847. Only one copy of this particular edition is held institutionally in the UK, at the British Library.In the publisher's original paper wraps, with the occasional in-text illustration of a particular pattern or article.Contains a contemporary errata leaf prior to the introduction.In the mid nineteenth century, when this little handbook was written, knitting became a popular pastime amongst many in Britain, particularly among working class women who wished to make items to sell. Items in this handbook include toilet cushions, opera caps and Siberia cuffs amongst many others, with useful instructions on how to make them/ In the publisher's original brown paper wraps. Externally, mostly smart, with minimal marks and slight fading to the spine and to the extremities. Bumping to the head and tail of the spine has caused minor chips. Slight edgewear. End papers are generally bright and clean, with the odd small smudge mark. Previous owner's signature to the top right corner of the front free end paper, and a binding stamp to front paste down. Internally, generally firmly bound, with signs of wear to front end paper hinge and to hinges between leaves pp.34-35, 64-65 and ii-ii, with leaf i-ii tender. Pages are generally bright and clean, with the odd spot to the extremities, and slight age toning, heaviest to leaves pp.15-21. Good . Ill.: Unknown. Good .