The Reverend James Hervey was born in 1714. While a young man he was a follower of John Wesley, but maintained his Anglicanism while Wesley developed what came to be known as Methodism. Hervey's piety, simpler than Wesley's, earned him many admirers and his writings went into numerous editions during and after his lifetime. He died in 1757 and his Collected Works were in continuous publication until 1839.

His Treatise on the Religious Education of Daughters, probably written between 1737, when the author took orders, and 1752, when he came into his family's living, shows a surprisingly progressive attitude toward the education and responsibilities of young women.

This is no Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Wollstonecraft, 1792), but it is an interesting note in the record of social thought, particularly since, as far as we can tell, it is not mere theorizing, but the relating of actual practice and the effect of such liberal thinking on one household. Perhaps most importantly, this essay is an example of loving, active, and conscientious parenting, so vital to any place and time.

A lovely wood engraved pattern by Robert Buchert decorates the end sheets and dust jacket.

Letterpress. Edition of 45. 30 pages.
Hardbound, 45 copies. $70.00 plus tax and shipping.