Excelsior Gift Books
Published by Phillips, Sampson and Company
| 1. Christmas Roses: A Gift Book for Young People | by Anonymous | (Copyright 1848) |
| 2. Favorite Story Book; or, Pleasing Sketches for Youth | by Clara Arnold | (Copyright 1853) |
| 3. Little Messenger Birds; or, The Chimes of the Silver Bells | by Mrs. Caroline H. Butler | (Copyright 1850) |
| 4. Ice King and the Sweet South Wind | by Mrs Caroline H. Butler | (Copyright 1851) |
| 5. Youth's Diadem | by Clara Arnold | (Copyright 1853) |
| 6. Juvenile Keepsake | by Clara Arnold | (Copyright 1853) |
#5 and #6 had several editions published yearly (copyrights 1851 and
1852) with new content. The title (#6) published within the series was
copyrighted in1853.
Introduced as a series in about 1856 by Phillips, Sampson and Company.
These books had previously been published by Phillips, Sampson
and Company before they were designated as a series. A separate series
format has not been seen. Very ornate gilt illustrated covers were
published as well as covers with the same illustrations but without the
gilt.
Cloth. Various colors. Different embossed patterns on the cover. 16 mo.
Gilt $1.00 / Cloth 75 cents.
Examples of the gilt covers are shown below.
Ice King |
Christmas Roses |
Messenger Birds |
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Youth's Diadem |
Juvenile Keepsake |
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