FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE’S BOOK:

NOTES ON NURSING,  WHAT IT IS, AND WHAT IT IS NOT

WITH TIPPED IN PRESENTATION FROM HER, ON THE TITLE PAGE!

 

NIGHTINGALE, FLORENCE.  (1820-1910).  British nurse, hospital reformer and humanitarian.  Her book:  Notes on Nursing, what it is and what it is not.  Harrison, London, [1860].  First edition, very early, true first state, with the notice: “[The right of translation is reserved]” at the base of the title page and with illustrated, light-yellow end-papers bearing advertisements for Burkes’ Peerage, The Foreign Office List for 1860 [with the 8 in 1860 in slightly larger type] and Anthems for Parish Choirs listed.  Original dark brown/black pebbled cloth, with front cover lettered in gilt, blind-stamped ruling to covers, and spine. Early dated ownership signature of “Clara Jane Harper / June 1860” at top of title page.  With a fine presentation: “With Florence Nightingale’s / Compliments and thanks” tipped in on the front title page.  Overall, an exceptionally fine copy.

In this book, [which was to become greatly expanded in just a few months, and thus the significance of our early state copy] Nightingale describes how she envisions the expanded duties of the nurse in caring for patient’s needs, and she urges “a new and more responsible role for nurses, [and] one that requires proper training and medical knowledge”. Nightingale came to great prominence during the Crimean War, in caring for wounded British soldiers.   The “Lady with the Lamp” as she was portrayed in the press of the time, became a symbol of the new ideas of Victorian medical hygiene and patient care.

Nightingale published her Notes on Nursing in January 1860, and by March 15,000 copies had been sold.  These true first printings are exceedingly scarce, and to find one in this superb condition, is indeed a rarity!              

 

$9500.00