![[1908 Publishing Contract for Frances F. Perry's "A Mother from Mars," published by Dodd, Mead & Company in 1909 as "Their Hearts' Desire."]](https://d3525k1ryd2155.cloudfront.net/h/701/852/1360852701.0.m.jpg)
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[1908 Publishing Contract for Frances F. Perry's "A Mother from Mars," published by Dodd, Mead & Company in 1909 as "Their Hearts' Desire."]
by Frances F. Perry [Frances Foster Perry]; Charles Minshall
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
[New York, July 31, 1908]. [1]p. 13¾ x 8½ inches. Partly-printed document, completed in manuscript. Folds; minor creasing; Very Good.
Signed contract for the rights to publish the novel A Mother from Mars written by Indiana author Frances Foster Perry.
A manuscript addendum states Dodd, Mead will issue the book in the Fall of 1909 and that they will make "...no changes to the title or text of the book without consent of the Author." The publisher did publish the book on time, but with a less extraterrestrial sounding title, Their Hearts' Desire. Docketings on the contract's verso reference the book under both titles.
In the book, a motherless child becomes fascinated with Mars. He speculates that if Santa Claus can "make live things" he must be getting them from Mars. His Santa letter: "Dear Santa - I do not want the things I said. I only want a mother... Maybe you can get one in Mars." (p44) He later asks Daddy if he knows of anyone from Mars, who went to Mars, etc.
While a charming plot element, perhaps Dodd, Mead & Co. felt A Mother from Mars was not revealing of the book's plot. A contemporary ad for the published book describes as a "sweet and tender little love-story." The illustrations by popular American artist Harrison Fisher (1875/7-1934), noted for his drawings of beautiful women, underscore the book's romantic themes.
Once A Mother from Mars, Perry's only published novel appears to have sold well. At least here on Earth.
See The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine, Vol. LXXIX, No. 1, November 1909 (The Century Co., New York), p33. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Wabash Valley women are prominent in arts and literature [Tribune-Star newspaper] accessed online.
Details
- Bookseller
- Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 3729797
- Title
- [1908 Publishing Contract for Frances F. Perry's "A Mother from Mars," published by Dodd, Mead & Company in 1909 as "Their Hearts' Desire."]
- Author
- Frances F. Perry [Frances Foster Perry]; Charles Minshall
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
Terms of Sale
Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). As such, we abide by their code of ethics and conduct. We are also members of The Manuscript Society and The Ephemera Society of America (Lifetime). Ian Brabner is also a member of The Grolier Club.
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About the Seller
Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
Biblio member since 2020
Wilmington, Delaware
About Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
Established in 1995, Ian Brabner, Rare Americana buys and sells rare books and manuscripts covering diverse facets of American history.
Our inventory encompasses a broad spectrum of collecting interests, with a special focus on 18th- and 19th-century American history, including African-American history, women's history, and unique or unusual materials documenting the American experience. In our stock, you will also find rare pamphlets, documents, letters and correspondence, journals, diaries, significant archives, as well as original art, graphics, and photographs.
Our inventory encompasses a broad spectrum of collecting interests, with a special focus on 18th- and 19th-century American history, including African-American history, women's history, and unique or unusual materials documenting the American experience. In our stock, you will also find rare pamphlets, documents, letters and correspondence, journals, diaries, significant archives, as well as original art, graphics, and photographs.
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