Roycrofters Alice Hubbard The Myth in Marriage 1912 First Edition Book

Roycrofters Craftsmanship Defines Alice Hubbard's The Myth in Marriage Immerse yourself in the exceptional artistry of The Roycrofters with this authentic 1912 first edition of The Myth in Marriage authored by Alice Hubbard. The Roycrofters workshop in East Aurora, New York, established by Elbert Hubbard, became synonymous with the highest standards of the Arts and Crafts movement, producing books that seamlessly blended profound literature with handcrafted elegance. Alice Hubbard, an influential writer and advocate for progressive ideas, crafted this work to examine marriage through lenses of romance, reality, economics, and personal freedom, offering perspectives that were forward-thinking for their time. This volume exemplifies the Roycrofters dedication to quality, evident in every detail from the ornate decorative borders and illuminated initial letters to the striking title page featuring bold red text within intricate black frames. Physically, the book presents a compact yet substantial presence at approximately 7 inches tall by 5 inches wide by 1 inch thick. Its rich brown leather cover features embossed lettering for the title and author name, complemented by subtle decorative motifs that capture the movement's emphasis on natural forms and fine workmanship. Opening the volume reveals elegant marbled endpapers and pages printed with the distinctive Roycrofters typeface, creating a tactile and visual experience that modern editions simply cannot replicate. The content spans thoughtful chapters including the Foreword exploring marriage as a subject of universal adult interest that can appear as either mirage or source of strength, followed by explorations of Romance, The Revelation, Facts, An Awakening, The Natural Marriage, The Social Marriage, The Marriage of Convenience, Conclusion, The Business of Marriage, Primitive Bondage with its reference to woman paying the first cost on human life, Nature's Method, Economic Freedom, Citizens, Enforced Dependence, Homogeneity, and a closing Romance section. Passages draw on thinkers like Emerson and Schreiner, emphasizing the transition from initial ecstasy to everyday realities and the necessity of economic independence for women to achieve true partnership. Condition and Authenticity This 1912 Roycrofters publication remains in used but very good condition overall. The binding stays tight and fully intact, keeping every page securely in place and completely present without any tears or losses. Interior pages display the characteristic light yellowing associated with age along with occasional small spots, yet all text stays crisp and easily readable. The leather exterior exhibits minor scuffing and edge wear concentrated at the corners, a small dark mark near the bottom of the front cover, and slight fading on portions of the embossed lettering. These natural signs of a century-plus lifespan add authentic character rather than detracting from the book's appeal, preserving its display-worthy beauty and functional integrity for continued enjoyment. Acquiring this specific Roycrofters title connects you directly to a pivotal era in American design and thought. The workshop's output was limited and intentional, ensuring each book carried the personal touch of skilled artisans. Alice Hubbard's insights on balancing the business aspects of marriage with its spiritual dimensions, alongside calls for women's self-respect and economic freedom, provide enduring value that resonates in contemporary discussions. This edition surpasses generic reprints through its original materials, typography, and provenance, offering collectors a genuine artifact from the height of the Roycrofters influence. Whether positioned prominently in a personal library or studied for its historical context, this book delivers both intellectual stimulation and aesthetic pleasure. The Roycrofters reputation for excellence in bookmaking ensures this copy stands as a benchmark for quality, making it an essential piece for anyone drawn to early twentieth-century literature or the broader Arts and Crafts legacy. Its combination of thoughtful prose, superior construction, and preserved condition positions it as a standout acquisition that enriches any collection focused on vintage American publishing.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Very good — Binding tight and intact with all pages present and legible. Light age toning and occasional small spots on pages. Cover shows expected gentle wear consistent with age but remains attractive and sturdy. — Defects: ['Minor scuffing and edge wear on brown leather cover, especially corners', 'Light yellowing and a few age spots on interior pages', 'Small dark mark near bottom of front cover', 'Slight fading to some embossed lettering']

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.