Perkinpine & Higgins, Philadelphia

The firm of Higgins and Perkinpine was established in 1852 by George Perkinpine and Charles W. Higgins' father. In 1858 the firm name changed to Perkinpine & Higgins. Higgins joined the company in 1862 upon the retirement of his father. In the latter years the house was not a publisher but rather a bookseller. Perkinpine retired in 1909 and died in 1913. Higgins died in 1914.

This firm published one T. S. Arthur book: Blind Nelly's (Nellie's) Boy and Other Stories.

This book is a first edition published in 1867. The eight moralistic stories that make up the contents however had been published previously.

Determining the earliest date of the appearance of these stories is still a work in progress. Here is what I know at this time.

"Unfading Flowers" had been published as early as 1849 in Graham's American Monthly.
"Blind Nelly’s Boy" had appeared in Arthur’s Home Magazine in January, 1867.

Initially this volume was released as a non-series standalone title. In 1872 it became part of the newly published six title Honey Brook Series. This series was reprinted for a number of years. When the series was first announced the ads noted that the books were third editions. I have only seen one previous edition. It is shown below.

The "Nelly" of the title changed to "Nellie's" for the 1871 volumes.

Adresses:

1858-1872 No. 56 North Fourth Street
1872 830 Arch Street 1872 - end of the series run

The book is 16 mo. with 192 pages. There are four illustrations.

There are two known formats of this title.

The first edition is the non-series book.
Cloth. Blindstamped. 4.25" x 6.75"

This book is a later book (1872 or after) from the Honey Brook Series. The six books were sold in a boxed set for $6.00. It is noted to be the third edition.