Favorite Quotations by John Bartlett | 1878 | 7th Edition | Antique Quotations Reference Book | Bixley Shop

A classic reference for writers and lovers of language, according to Wikipedia, Famous Quotations by John Bartlett has a long and storied history. This is a post-Civil War era copy of the 7th edition published in 1878.

ABOUT FAMOUS QUOTATIONS (Courtesy of Wikipedia)
John Bartlett (1820-1905), an American publisher and writer, who ran the University Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, was frequently asked for information on quotations. Bartlett began a commonplace book, including quotations from his own extensive readings and memory. In 1855, Bartlett acknowledged in the book's preface that, "this Collection ... has been considerably enlarged by additions from an English work on a similar plan," a reference to Handbook of Familiar Quotations from English Authors, written by Isabella Rushton Preston in 1853.

In 1855, Bartlett privately printed his compilation as A Collection of Familiar Quotations. This first edition included 258 pages of quotations by 169 authors, chiefly the Bible, William Shakespeare, and the great English poets. Bartlett wrote in the fourth edition that "it is not easy to determine in all cases the degree of familiarity that may belong to phrases and sentences which present themselves for admission; for what is familiar to one class of readers may be quite new to another."

The book was a great success, and Bartlett authored and published three additional editions before joining the Boston publishing firm of Little, Brown and Company. Bartlett rose to be the senior partner of the firm, and supervised the publication of nine additional editions prior to his death in 1905, selling over 300,000 copies. The seventh edition was published in 1875, the eighth edition in 1882, and the ninth in 1891. The 10th edition, however, did not appear for another 20 years.

BIXLEY NOTES
• Famous Quotations
• Compiled by John Bartlett
• 864 page hardcover
• Published by Little Brown & Company, 1878, 7th Edition
• Measures 7 3/8" x 5"

VINTAGE NOTES
• In great condition for a 150 year old book
• Binding is a tiny bit loose
• Covers have a bit of shelf wear 

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