This is the January 21, 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, with a few minor age spots, which are common to issues of this age. 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 send your e-mail address.

ARTICLES:

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN – The engraving featured on the cover page represents the well-known features of the great philosopher, surrounded by an emblematical design.  The article depicts his many accomplishments.  (See picture)

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

HANNAH SNELL – A woman without resources, enlisted in as a marine on board one of the vessels of admiral Boscawen’s fleet, bound for the West Indies.  She manifested her activity, presence of mind and courage during many tempests and in several engagements.  An engraved portrait is presented.

PERSIAN PIPES FOR SMOKING – An engraving of the Houka, the Narghileh and the Kalioun are presented with an explanation of their use and materials used to make them.  (See picture)

THE DIODONS – A description with engravings of these fish, which are known for the singular facility of swelling and erecting their thorns at will.

TURKISH ARTILLERY – The Turkish Artillery regiments are almost wholly officered by Europeans, of good education, and who have learned the art of war by experience.  An engraving depicting the “Turkish Artillery on the March” is presented.

THE RAJAH’S PLEASURE BOAT - An engraving, which represents the pleasure boat of the rajah of Johore is presented.  It is a fine, trim craft, and built on scientific principles for speed, from the mode of sailing in use among the Malays.

THE RIVER - A poem by Dr. George Bungay

THE LOTTERY TICKET - A SKETCH FOR HAZARD-SEEKERS - by Sylvanus Corb, JR.- James Lanning was a mechanic - a young, honest man, whose highest ambition was to gain a comfortable home of himself and wife, and to be thought well of by his neighbors….

THERMOPYLAE - A poem by John Lesly.

SMART CHILDREN - by Mrs. M.E. Robinson. - I don't know why it is, but it seems to me that "smart" children, as they are denominated, are much more common now than in years gone by….

NATIONAL COSTUMES OF ALL THE PRINCIPAL NATIONS ON THE GLOBE – The center page is devoted to Mr. Kilburn’s depiction of these costumes from around the world.

A THOUGHT - A poem by Rebecca R. Pierce

MATCH MAKING - by Alice Carey - There is great deal said and written against match making, but I am inclined to think there are many worse things done in the world….

THE ART OF MAKING MONEY – An engraved riddle by Benjamin Franklin (See picture)

AMUSEMENTS IN BOSTON – The Boston Museum has been running through a series of old English comedies, interspersed with a variety of clever farces.

THE SANDWICH ISLANDS – It is well known that the Hawaiian Kingdom, through its proper officers have frequently expressed the strongest desire to become annexed to the United States, and that of late this desire has assumed a more decided character, and is at present being urged upon our government.

RANGOON – Rangoon is built on the most eastern branch of the river Irawadi, about twenty six miles from the sea; and, though the navigation is somewhat intricate, the difficulties are easily overcome by good pilots; so that vessels of 1200 tons have proceeded to the port.  An engraving of the port of Rangoon, Burma is presented.

THE ISLE OF DREAMS - A poem by Phoebe Carey

WILL IT DO - OR THE NOM de PLUME – A story by Rev. Henry Bacon

HORSTMANN’S FACTORY – An engraving of this prominent landmark in Philadelphia is presented with an explanation of its architectural achievements. (See picture)

SHIPPING AND HANDLING – Media Mail $4.50