Centennial Poem for Washington and Lee University. Lexington, Virginia. 1775-1885.
New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1885. 24 pp. printed rectos only. Sm. 8vo. Paper wrappers. First edition. Offsetting on the title else a fine copy. Bibliography of Virginia 4384. Item #40434
Title in red and black, upper and lower margins ruled in red, running title in red. Margaret Junkin Preston (1820-1897) was a southern writer. This work, a contemporary noted, "is a poem that appeals strongly to the lovers of American patriotic verse, but it has a higher claim to appreciation than that of mere popular approval, for it possesses the virility of imagination, the stateliness of measure, and the intensity of thought which we naturally associate with odes; but is relieved from all suspicion of stiffness by passages that are purely lyrical," (Literary World, 1885, p.344). Scarce especially in this condition.
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Mrs. Margaret J. Preston, poet, was born in Philadelphia, Pa., about 1820. Her father was Rev. George Junkin, D.D., a Presbyterian clergyman, known as one of the moat distinguished educators of bis day. She received her early education from her father and from private tutors at home. She read Latin when only ten years of age, and Greek at twelve. She early developed a taste for literary pursuits. In 1857 she married Prof. John T. L. Preston, a professor in the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington, Va. Her first contribution to the press in 1849 was received with great favor. In 1856 she published a. novel entitled, " Silverwood," which appeared anonymously, refusing to allow her name to appear, even though offered double price Tor her consent. She was an enthusiastic sympathizer with the South, and published, in 1865, her most sustained poem, called, " Beechenbrook ; a Rhyme of the War." This poem won for her wide popularity from the Potomac to the Gulf. Her second volume of poems appeared in 1870, under the title, "Old Songs and New," and won high praise from the leading critics. She also wrote " Cartoons," " For Love's Sake," " Centennial Poem for Washington and Lee University," " Volume of Travels," " Colonial Ballads," and a " Semi-Centennial Ode for Virginia Military Institute." Her prose, which in grace and diction is fully equal to her poetry, is not, however, as well known. Mrs. Preston died at the residence of her son, Dr. George 8. Preston, in Baltimore, Md., March 28, 1897.
From Portraits and Principles of the World's Great Men and Women by William C. King (Springfield Mass: King-Richardson Pub, 1898, p.608.
Price: $350.00