Neghborly Poems by James Whitcomb Riley (Second Edition), 1891 📜🇺🇸🎨

1. Introduction 📜🔍

This is a second edition of Neghborly Poems, a classic collection of poetry by the beloved "Hoosier Poet," James Whitcomb Riley. Published in 1891, this book is a charming artifact of late 19th-century American literary life. Its status as a well-preserved early edition makes it a premier acquisition for any serious collector of classic poetry, Americana, or dialect literature.

2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Neghborly Poems is a collection of verses that celebrate the simple joys and challenges of rural life in the American Midwest. The book is renowned for Riley's masterful use of Hoosier dialect, which gives the poems a sense of authenticity and warmth.

The book's charm and authenticity are captured in its simple design and its direct, heartfelt prose. This volume is a testament to the enduring appeal of the poet of the common people.

3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🏛️✍️✨

James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916) was an American writer and poet. Known as the "Hoosier Poet" and the "Children's Poet," he was a celebrity in his time, captivating audiences with his live readings.

Riley's work, which included over 1,000 poems, was known for its nostalgic and sentimental tone. He was a master of performance and his poetry, which was often written in a regional dialect, came alive when he read it aloud. He was so beloved that his birthday was a school holiday in Indiana, and his funeral was attended by over 35,000 people.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1891, this book is a "time capsule" of late 19th-century America. It reflects a period when the nation was rapidly industrializing and urbanizing, but the culture still held a deep nostalgia for a simpler, rural past.

The book's poems, with their focus on farm life and close-knit communities, provided a sense of comfort and tradition for readers. The book's popularity reflects a cultural moment where poetry was a major form of popular entertainment.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for a curator of American poetry, a scholar of dialect literature, or a private collector of classic books. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book for its literary and historical significance.

The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of American culture, language, and poetry.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a second edition from a popular and influential poet, this book is a collectible item. While not as rare as a first printing, a well-preserved copy in this condition is a desirable asset.

The value is a direct reflection of the book's enduring cultural influence and its physical integrity. The price reflects its status as a sound, collectible copy of a key work of Americana.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This volume is in good vintage condition. The hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight binding and clean pages. The covers show visible wear, including rubbing, scuffing, and discoloration, which is expected for a book of this age. The red and black lettering on the spine is faded, but still discernible.

The overall condition is an honest and transparent portrayal of a well-cared-for volume that was likely a cherished part of a home library.

8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤

This book contains no inscriptions or unique markings. The value is derived from its well-preserved state as an early edition of a key work of American poetry.

9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Riley famously submitted a poem to a newspaper as a newly discovered work by Edgar Allan Poe to prove that editors only accepted work from established writers.

• His famous poem, "Little Orphant Annie," was the inspiration for the comic strip Little Orphan Annie.

• He was so beloved that a hospital for children in Indianapolis was named in his honor.

10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Neghborly Poems and Dialect Sketches

• Author/Maker: James Whitcomb Riley

• Year: 1891

• Publisher/Foundry: The Bowen-Merrill Co.

• Place of Origin: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: Second Edition

• Rarity: Rare