A Backward Glance. The Story of John Ridley, a Pioneer
London, James Clarke, 1904.
Octavo, viii, 445 pages, being an uncut and unbound proof copy (without the 9 plates in the published version).
Loosely inserted in worn early quarter cloth and papered boards (recycled from an old diary); first and last pages a little acid-toned; in very good condition.
The original page proofs, with numerous corrections (some textual) by the author, the daughter of John Ridley (1806-1887), miller, inventor and preacher. He was the first practical producer, if not the inventor, of the mechanical wheat harvester. Loosely inserted is a covering letter from Ridley's local agent (dated 28 July 1904) to the Editor of 'The Register', seeking a review. Other ephemera include a Christmas card signed 'Annie' [Ridley], some relevant newspaper cuttings, an invitation to the opening of the Ridley Memorial Entrance at the Adelaide Showgrounds, and a rare pamphlet by Stephen Parsons: 'John Ridley, a Public Benefactor - and a Debt Long Overdue' (octavo, 11 pages, reprinted from 'The Register', August 1928). A copy of the published work is included (original cloth a little marked and rubbed, with the bookplate of the Morgan Institute Library on the pastedown; basically a very good copy).
Item #80152
Sold