Sheldon & Co., New York

In 1864 Sheldon & Co. published a three book series by T. S. Arthur. This was the "Home Stories". The first editions of these three 16 mo. (6.75" x 4.5") books have 1864 on the title page and the copyright page. The only illustration I have seen is the frontispiece in the 1864 edition of Hidden Wings. All of the books have an extra title page which is illustrated.(See below.) Initially they were sold as a three book boxed set.

As is frequently the case with the later Arthur publications, most, perhaps all, of the stories in these books had previously appeared in periodicals.

I. Hidden Wings, and Other Stories
II. Sowing the Wind, and Other Stories
III. Sunshine at Home, and Other Stories

In September, 1868 the "Home Stories" series was expanded to include three more titles. Initially these volumes were added as the "Second Series". The first Sheldon editions of these titles have 1869 on the title page but were copyrighted in 1868. The frontispiece is the only illustration. They were sold as a three book boxed set for $3.00. Of note is that the contents of the three later books also had previously appeared in various periodicals.

By 1870 the series was united and the Home Stories had a six book list without any “second series” designation. From this point in time the the books were sold as a six volume boxed set.

IV. The Peacemaker, and Other Stories
V. Not Anything for Peace
VI. After a Shadow, and Other Stories

Editions have been noted in 1864, 1865, and 1866, for the three earlier books and in 1869 and 1870 for all six titles. I suspect that these Sheldon Arthur books were published in other years as well.

The entire six title series was reprinted in the 1880's by John R. Anderson, DeWolfe, Fiske & Co. and John W. Lovell & Co.

1864

1866

1869