Lot 984

"Leona" by Mrs. Molesworth SCARCE ANTIQUE 1892 HC Nostalgic Novel 1st/1st

Previous image preload Next image preload

"Leona" by Mrs. Molesworth SCARCE ANTIQUE 1892 HC Nostalgic Novel 1st/1st

left to bid 14d 5h 33m left to bid (Bidding Extended) Lot is closed 14d 5h 33m left to bid Refresh page
Estimate: $50 - $100

Starting Bid: $15

(0 Bids)

by The Book Barn
August 13, 2026 5:00 PM EDT
Timed Auction
353 Indian Village Road
Shapliegh, ME, US 07076

SCARCE ANTIQUE 18952 Hardcovers Nostalgic Novel 1st Edition 1st Printing. "Leona" by Mrs. Molesworth. HARDCOVER 1892 Cassell Publishing Company 1st Edition 1st Printing with "Copyright "1892" & with no additional printings on copyright page. Exactly as shown in listing scan(s). Nice Collectible 1st Edition 1st Printing hardcover. UNCOMMON NOSTALGIC NOVEL 1ST/1ST BY LEADING FEMALE AUTHOR OF LATE 19th CENTURY; ONLY TWO ORIGINAL COPIES—MOST IN WORN CONDITION—ON INTERNET AT TIME OF LISTING

"Leona" was a nostalgic novel written in the late 19th century by a female author under the name "Mrs. Molesworth." At this time it was difficult for a woman to get her work commercially published, especially under her own name. MARY LOUISA MOLEWORTH, née STEWART (1839-1921) was an English writer who wrote under the name Mrs Molesworth. Her first novels, for adult readers, "Lover and Husband" (1869) to "Cicely" (1874), appeared under the pseudonym of Ennis Graham. Her name occasionally appears in print as M. L. S. Molesworth. In 1861 she married Major R. Molesworth, nephew of Viscount Molesworth; they legally separated in 1879. Mrs Molesworth is best known as a writer of books for the young, such as "Tell Me A Story" (1875), "Carrots" (1876), "The Cuckoo Clock (1877), & "A Christmas child (1880). She has been called "the Jane Austen of the nursery." Mary Louisa Molesworth typified late Victorian writing for girls. Aimed at girls too old for fairies and princesses but too young for Jane Austen & the Brontes. Books by Molesworth had their share of amusement, but they also had a good deal of moral instruction. Her books emphasized Victorian notions of duty and self-sacrifice. She took an interest in supernatural fiction. In 1888, she published a collection of supernatural tales under the title "Four Ghost Stories," and in 1896 a similar collection of six tales under the title "Uncanny Tales."

Unusually nice condition for an 1892 original many of which ended up in libraries with usual marks, stamps, & heavy wear etc. Previous owner's bookplate inside front board & name/date name/date on blank endpaper, o/w internally tight & unmarked. Binding Exterior: nicely decorated cloth binding with scattered light rubbing, but all lettering/decoration bright. NO REMAINDER MARK NOT X-LIBRARY. NO DJ AS ISSUED.

ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED TO BE ACCURATELY DESCRIBED, NOT DEFECTIVE, & GENUINE.

PLEASE NOTE: We do all our own shipping. We will combine shipping on multiple items, where possible to save the wining bidder on shipping costs. Shipping will be added to winning bidder's invoice for item(s) won. Media Mail postage from USPS will be used for shipping in the United States for those items allowed. Lowest alternative cost shipping will be billed for items not allowed by USPS to be shipped by Media Mail. Foreign winning bidders will pay postage based on their countries small/medium/large Flat Rate box postage rates & weight of the package. Other types of postage are available at added expense at the bidders request. You also agree to pay any applicable taxes and/or customs/import duties. A Tracking Number will be provided to buyer. Insurance is mandatory on packages over $100 USD and will be added to postage charges when applicable.

  • Condition: Good Plus Condition

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Visa

Shipping

We do all our own shipping. Shipping will be added to winning bidder's invoice for item(s) won. Media Mail postage from USPS will be used for shipping in the United States for those items allowed. Lowest alternative cost shipping will be billed for items not allowed by USPS to be shipped by Media Mail. Foreign winning bidders will pay postage based on their countries small/medium/large Flat Rate box postage rates & weight of the package. Other types of postage are available at added expense at the bidders request. You also agree to pay any applicable taxes and/or customs/import duties. A Tracking Number will be provided to buyer. Insurance is mandatory on packages over $100 USD and will be added to postage charges when applicable.

The Book Barn

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $299:
20.00%
$300 - $599:
18.00%
$600+:
15.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $19 $1
$20 $49 $2
$50 $99 $5
$100 $249 $10
$250 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 + $100