Dr. Tumblety is just one example of an American whose manners the British found to be wanting. Item 127 is Mrs. Frances Trollope’s Domestic Manners of the Americans. A British visitor to the States from 1827-1830, Mrs. Trollope was not impressed by the civility of the locals. Considering this was the time we were electing Andrew Jackson president, her impressions probably weren’t that far from the mark. For a sample of Mrs. Trollope’s clever though not terribly deferential writing, go to the Memorial University of Newfoundland’s website at www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/rmeyers/debate.html. She’s entertaining. Brown is offering a second edition from 1832 for $750.

Item 50 seems a bit out of sync with its times. It is the diary of Serafina Loring, a young upper class girl (possibly 10) from Boston. She talks about balls and concerts, theater, fairs, her lessons and reading. She reads 72 books in one year, which is probably more than the average youngster of today reads during their entire schooling, maybe their lifetime. She has a wonderful collection of dolls. What makes all of this tranquility a bit odd is the date: 1859. Much is going to change in the world around her in another year. I have not been able to trace her life very well, but she is probably the Serafina Loring who was born in Spain in 1849 and married Arthur Lincoln of the Plymouth County, Massachusetts (not Illinois), Lincolns in 1883. If so, she may be the grandmother of Serita Bartlett, born in 1912, who in turn may (or may not) have been married to a Francis Forbes, all still of Massachusetts. If you know the family of any of these people, let them know about the diary. $850.

If you’re a serious collector of Grand Rapids, Michigan, you also should check this catalogue. “Serious” as this is not an inexpensive piece. Item 74 is a hand-drawn depiction of Grand Rapids from 1832 when Grand Rapids consisted of seven houses and one Indian dwelling. It is framed with a typed note explaining the drawing’s history. $7,500.

Collectors of Native Americans will be interested in T.R. Armstrong’s 1918 My First and Last Buffalo Hunt. And a “Sequel.” It is the “sequel,” Survivor Narrates Story of a Famous Indian Battle by J.W. Williamson that’s of particular interest. Williamson was a guide who observed the 1873 battle of Massacre Canon Nebraska between the Sioux and the Pawnee. The Pawnee were ambushed by the Sioux, losing 136 men, women and children to 50 lost Sioux warriors in what proved to be the last major intertribal battle among the North American Indians. Item 15. $50.

There are many more works in this catalogue, but we can’t begin to present all of the interesting material here. Michael Brown Rare Books may be reached by email at mbamericana@mindspring.com or by phone at 215-387-2290.