Life's Mountain by Maurine Williams Sellstrom (Signed First Edition), 1950 🏔️✍️🕊️

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

This is a rare, privately published signed first edition of Life's Mountain, a collection of poetry by Maurine Williams Sellstrom (1909-1997). This volume is a highly sought-after artifact for collectors of regional literature and personalized editions. This particular copy is made even more unique by its multiple inscriptions, which provide an intimate glimpse into the author's life years after the book was originally published.

This edition is a tangible connection to the creative spirit of a devoted author. Its documented rarity and personal inscriptions make this a premier acquisition for any serious library. The book is not merely a collection of poems; it is a document of a life lived with purpose and a heart full of emotion.

 

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2. About the Artwork/Book/Object 📖✍️✨

Life's Mountain is a collection of poetry that reflects the author's deeply personal journey. The poems explore a variety of themes, including personal struggle, spiritual faith, and human connection. The poems are written in a simple, direct style that is both accessible and moving. The book is a document of a life lived with purpose and a heart full of emotion.

The book is an essential primary source for any dedicated reader of regional American poetry. Its contents are a rich compendium of a life’s reflections, and it provides a unique look into the author’s perspective. The book’s dedication reads: "This book is dedicated to The Creator of All Beauty Who gave these poems in answer to needs." The table of contents lists poems with titles such as "Love of Life," "Send Love," "A Happy Child," and "To a Cherished Friend."

 

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

Maurine Williams Sellstrom (1909-1997) was an American poet who dedicated her life to her craft. Born in Utah, she was the wife of Lawrence Sellstrom and the daughter of Louis and Beulah Williams. She was a prolific writer, and her poems were often inspired by her personal experiences and her spiritual faith.

Her self-published book showcases her dedication to self-expression and her willingness to share her personal journey with a wider audience. This work is a direct reflection of her commitment to her craft and her desire to find beauty and meaning in the ordinary.

 

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4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

Published in 1950, this book is a "time capsule" of mid-20th-century American social thought. It reflects a period when individual expression and personal narratives were highly valued. As a self-published work, it also provides a unique look into the literary trends of the time, when many authors chose to share their work with a wider audience without the need for a major publisher.

The book captures the spirit of an era when local communities were a central part of American life. It is a document of the lives and creative journeys of a generation of pioneers who sought to find and share beauty and meaning in their daily lives.

 

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5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is intended for a curator of American social history, a scholar of regional poetry, or a private collector of unique personalized editions. It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book's dual significance as a foundational historical document and a personal artifact of its time.

The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of:

• Culture, history, and poetry.

• Unique provenance, with multiple inscriptions from the author that add to its historical journey.

• The work of a self-published author who documented her life and community.

 

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6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

As a rare, self-published signed first edition from 1950, this book is a uniquely scarce asset. The value of this item is elevated to an entirely different level by the inclusion of two personal inscriptions from the author, Maurine Williams Sellstrom, which are dated many years after the book's original publication.

The book's worth is enhanced by:

• Verifiable Provenance: The book has two personal inscriptions from the author, which provides a tangible link to its creator and its journey through time.

• Unique Details: The inscriptions are dated 1974 and 1975, which are long after the book's 1950 publication date, and they provide a fascinating glimpse into the author's life years later.

 

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7. Condition 🔎📚✨

This copy is a well-preserved piece showing authentic wear consistent with its age from the mid-20th century. The original hardcover is in a solid state, with a tight and sound binding. The pages have some expected toning and light discoloration throughout, a natural process for paper, which gives it authenticity.

• Binding: The book is a hardcover with a red cloth binding. The binding is tight and sound. The interior pages are clean and free of any marks or stains.

• Interior: The pages show some toning and discoloration, a natural process for paper from this period. The text is clear and readable. The front endpaper contains a photograph of the author and two personal inscriptions.

• Inscriptions: The inscriptions are in blue ink and are clearly visible.

 

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8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• The book contains two inscriptions from the author, Maurine Williams Sellstrom, dated September 1974 and September 1975, which are long after the book's 1950 publication date.

• The first inscription is to "Wesley Morris" and "Pricilla Royall," and it is signed by the author in her capacity as "Mile Club Pr." in Yreka, which adds a unique personal detail to her life.

• The book is a self-published work, which adds to its rarity and provides a unique look into the literary trends of the time.

• The book contains a photograph of the author and a dedication to "The Creator of All Beauty," which adds a personal touch to her work.

 

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9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Title: Life's Mountain

• Author/Maker: Maurine Williams Sellstrom

• Year: 1950

• Publisher/Foundry: Maurine Williams Sellstrom

• Place of Origin: USA

• Format/Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: Signed First Edition

• Rarity: Very Rare

• Transcription:

  First Inscription: To Wesley Morris Pricilla Royall September 23, 1974. With best wishes for a wonderful year - Maurine Sellstrom Mile Club Pr. Yreka

  Second Inscription: To Queen Vi from Princess Maurine Sept. 1975