DREAM OF A FREE-TRADE PARADISE, AND OTHER SKETCHES. Philadelphia: Henry Carey Baird & Co., Industrial Publishers, Booksellers and Importers, 810 Walnut Street, 1877. Octavo, pp. [1-4] 5-96, twelve illustrations by Henry L. Stephens, original gray wrappers printed in black. Later edition. Collects eighteen "sketches" on political and economic issues of the day with emphasis on protection of American industry and workingmen's rights. Includes "Dreams of a Free-Trade Paradise. A Laissez Faire Tale," pp. 3-12, which depicts a satirical utopia in which the principle of laissez-faire has been carried to its logical conclusion. The text of this edition is probably the same as that of the 1872 collection. Elder's "Dream" was collected later in AMERICAN UTOPIAS: SELECTED SHORT FICTION, edited by Arthur O. Lewis, Jr. (New York: Arno Press and The New York Times, 1971). Elder was the Secretary of the Industrial League. Lewis, Utopian Literature, p. 57. Sargent, British and American Utopian Literature, 1516-1985, p. 58. Not in Negley. Covers a bit dusty with a couple of small faint stains, former owner's name and address written in pencil on cover, bottom corner of first dozen leaves slightly dog-eared, a very good copy. This edition is uncommon. OCLC reports 3 copies. (#139882).
Price: $100.00
No statement of printing.