Unquestionably Mr. Currier’s exhaustive bibliography must be consulted by everyone who wishes authoritative and documented data on the writings of John Greenleaf Whittier or who wishes to know why, when, and where his works were printed. It is far more than a mere bibliography; for in addition to listing, with all the detail and thoroughness required by the book collector and student of American literature and history, the actual printed publications of the poet and Abolitionist, it comprises a complete survey of Whittier’s literary life and labors. Mr. Currier has unearthed the innumerable broadside and leaflet printings of Whittier’s poems, has sifted the mass of anonymous works, and has arranged a chronological series of references to communications sent by Whittier to various newspapers with which he was not editorially connected. One section relates at length Whittier’s activities as editor of political newspapers; another is a list of books and articles that have been written about Whittier. All these items, however, are but random samplings from what may be considered a perfect example of bibliographical writing.

John Greenleaf Whittier was called to Philadelphia in 1838 to conduct an anti-slavery paper, The Pennsylvania Freeman. Cousins living in the city at the time introduced the thirty-year-old editor and poet to an interesting and lively group of young people; and the visit of Whittier's sister, Elizabeth, in the next year served to draw still more closely the ties of a friendship thus established. Charming Elizabeth Lloyd, four years younger than Whittier, belonged to this circle of friends, and as a Quakeress and a writer of graceful verse was especially intimate with the Whittiers. A budget of letters from Elizabeth written to the Whittiers just after their return to New England and in later years is printed in the present volume; it affords a pleasing picture of the restful home life of a sympathetic, intellectual group of young people in Philadelphia in the anti-slavery days and depicts the life-long friendship between Whittier and Miss Lloyd. A few recently discovered letters from Whittier to Miss Lloyd are included.