Alcoolisme

pp. vi. 480 (10)[Publisher's ads + Plates. 12mo. Original full red cloth binding, decorated in black and gold. A "fresh and witty story" from the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Much of the interest in the story today stems from the use of one of Stowe's children as a model for the character of Tom Bolton. Frederick Stowe (1840-1870?) had originally hoped to become a doctor and studied medicine. But he developed (early on) a problem with alcoholism. When he enlisted in the Civil War, his parents were very worried about his ability to withstand the stress of battle. Fred was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg (1863). After his injury, his alcoholism became much worse. After many unsuccessful attempts to conquer his addiction, he went to California in 1870 and was never heard from again. Fred was the inspiration for the character of Tom Bolton in 'We and Our Neighbors' and 'My Wife and I.' In these books Harriet described alcoholism as an illness. Her attitude was very modern since, at that time, most people believed that alcoholism was a moral failure. An attractive copy of a scarce book. W138