This is the February 4, 1854 issue of GLEASON'S PICTORIAL newspaper, which in later years went by the name of Ballou's pictorial.  It is much like the more popular newspapers of the time, Harper's Weekly, and Frank Leslie.  All of these newspapers were highly illustrated with wood engravings. It is in very good condition, the pages are flat and bright, with minor age spots that do not detract from the print or the engravings. As you can see from the list of articles below it gives a good insight into the issues and life of that time, along with some very nice literary articles and poems. Additional pictures are available upon request. Please include your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

A WINTER SCENE:  Who has not looked upon such a country barn yard scene, the roof thatched with snow, the earth covered with the same spotless mantle, quiet, domestic animals herding together as if to gain warmth from each other.  An engraving of this scene is presented on the cover page. (See picture)

THE RUSSIAN GUARDSMAN – A TALE OF THE SEAS AND SHORES OF THE EAST – A story by Ben Perley Poore

CRYSTAL PALACE EXHIBITION, NEW YORK – Five pages of engravings are devoted to panoramic views of the exhibition.  The first page depicts scenes of the Holland, Austrian, and Italian exhibits.  The second page depicts the exhibit from Great Britain & Ireland.  The two center pages of the newspaper, and the back page, are devoted to the exhibition of The United States.  The Crystal Palace Exhibition was a great national exhibition of art and industry, which many countries sent exhibits. (See pictures)

CUPID – A poem by J. Frederick Bisbee

THE FIELD SPORTS OF CANADA WEST – By Henry William Herbert

THE WIDOW’S BEAU – A story by Mrs. Caroline A. Soule

THE THIRD DAY AT SEA – A poem by Mrs. L. H. Sigourney

OUR LIDA or THE FAIR EXCHANGE THAT WAS NO ROBBERY – A story by Mrs. H. Marion Stephens

THE SHIPWRECKED – A poem by Maturin M. Ballou the editor of Gleason’s Pictorial

HON. RUFUS CHOATE – The Attorney General of Massachusetts was known as the most brilliant and triumphant jury orator, who has yet appeared in the courts.  He was also known for a series of splendid speeches spoken to the Senate of the United States.  A biographic article, with an engraved portrait is presented.

JOHN B. WICKERSHAM’S IRON WAREHOUSE – Wickersham was a pioneer in the manufacture of wrought or woven iron fabrics.  He invented a system that employed wrought instead of cast iron for purposes where strength and lightness needed to be combined.  An engraving of the interior of his warehouse at 312 Broadway, New York is presented.

THE WIFE – A poem by Phoebe Carey

STORIES OF GODS AND GODDESSES – By Thomas Bulfinch

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