History, poetry featured in Smiley library silent auction

Ted Parsons (Courtesy Photo)
Ted Parsons (Courtesy Photo)

“Evangeline,” “The Makers of Venice,” “The Roman Triumvirate“ and “Dog Team Doctor” are the selections in the Professor Parsons’ Picks category of the Friends of the A.K. Smiley Public Library’s silent auction through 1 p.m. Tuesday.

The books are chosen by Ted Parsons, head of the Friends of the Library’s antiquarian committee.

Books and bid sheets are on the Professor Parsons’ Picks shelf in the silent auction area on the main level of the A.K. Smiley Public Library, 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.

Following are details about the books and Parsons’ comments.

“Evangeline” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) is a classic of American literature. This poem was required reading for nearly all students prior to graduating from eighth grade in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many school districts required students to memorize and recite portions of the poem as a condition for the eighth-grade diploma, Parsons said.

This volume was published in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In addition to “Evangeline,” it contains 10 other poems or ballads of Longfellow. The dealer price of this edition is $13 to $40, and the minimum bid is $6.

“The Makers of Venice” by Margaret Oliphant (1828-1897) was first published in 1887. It was so popular that it was reissued in 1888 and again in November 1889. The volume in the auction is the 1889 edition. Oliphant focuses on the great citizens of Venice whose stories of ambition and talent weave the tale of the city’s greatness. The patricians of Venice dedicated themselves to the glory of the city, at the same time scheming their way to personal and family power. This is a story that continues to fascinate, Parsons said.

The dealer value is $15 to $40, and the opening bid is $7.

History from an earlier era is found in the classic work “The Roman Triumvirate” (published in 1887) by Charles Merivale (1808-1893). This work was reissued both in the United States and in London. This 1929 London edition was the 15th impression.

The volume offered in the auction is the first American edition. The dealer value is $20, and the minimum bid is $8.

“Dog Team Doctor” by Eva G. Anderson (1889-1972) is the story of Dr. Joseph Romig in Alaska. Romig used his dog team to visit far-flung Eskimo communities. He was also a Moravian Church missionary and served as mayor of Anchorage from 1937 to 1938. This is a story of dedication, courage, adventure and concern for others. It is a fascinating look at life in the frozen frontier of Alaska in the early 20th century, Parsons said.

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The dealer value is $25 to $110, and the minimum bid is $10.

Silent auction sales help to support the A.K. Smiley Public Library, at 125 W. Vine St., Redlands.

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