James M. Usher, Boston

These firms published Uncle Humphrey's Stories ( Noted as No, and Other Stories on the title page) in 1851. There are eleven short stories/poems in this book. Determining the author of each one as well as who is “Uncle Humphrey” is not an easy task. None of the contents of this little book are original.

It is most likely that T. S. Arthur is the editor. The title story ”The Story about the Word No” states Arthur was the author. The second tale, Willy and the Beggar Girl” was published in 1844 in Arthur’s Ladie’s Magazine”. These connections to Arthur make it very likely that he was indeed Uncle Humphrey.

Another story, Cornelia's Prayer, was written by C. M. Sawyer and appeared in the Universalist Union in 1841. Arthur used her work in a number of his multistory edited works.

As of this time I have been unable to identify the original printings of the other chapters in this book.

The Thomas Herbert book is the earlier edition (first edition) of the two publications. It notes an 1850 copyright by Thomas Herbert. (The earliest title page I have seen is 1851). The James M. Usher publication was printed by H. J. Butterfield in Lynn, the same printer as was used by Thomas Herbert. Usher’s book noted Uncle Humphrey as the 1850 copyright holder. The contents of the two volumes are identical.

James M. Usher edition
Blindstamped with gold gilt lettering and decorations. 4.75" x 4".
102 pages. Several wood cut line drawn illustrations.