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ELIZABETH WILLIAMSON : 1888 - 1929 FASCINATING ORIGINAL GROUP OF 15 MANUSCRIPT DIARIES HANDWRITTEN BY THE WIFE OF AN EDINBURGH MINISTER

24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall. On offer are 15 detailed diaries of a Scottish minister's wife at the turn of the 19th century and extending into the first quarter of the 20th century (1888 through 1929). Comprising about 200 pages each, these leather-bound volumes are in very good condition. They measure about 5 inches by 3/34 inches. Most of the annual diary entries are 99% complete. Several are 33-50%. There are additional notes in the Memoranda sections. The entries are brief and her handwriting is very tight but fairly legible. The 1923 volume contains an insurance policy attached to the inside rear cover. It was issued by the Ocean Accident & Guarantee Company Limited. Ocean was incorporated in 1876 and through mergers continued in business until 2005 when it was wound up. The 1929 volume was printed by Letts & Co, the firm that invented the world's first commercial diary more than 200 years ago. Under a red-sealed ribbon, it contains 2 unique sales offerings. One is an accident insurance policy which notes it is not necessary for the ... policy or the diary to be on the person at the time of accident. The 2nd insert offers an anonymous mailing forwarding & redirect service. The firm, British Monomark, had been established only 4 years previously and remains in business today as one of the UK's largest mail forwarding and virtual business service providers. The other interesting feature of this 1929 volume is a folding memo tablet attached to the rear cover. It can be used as a mini whiteboard as its polished surface can be erased with a damp cloth. The volumes for 1924, 1925, 1927 and 1928 are Edinburgh Diaries, manufactured by George Waterston & Sons. They contain a very extensive information section including the usual lists such as Postal rates, MP's and UK and Scottish holidays, etc. Additionally, there are some unique sections such as an extensive Gardening Kalendar, Game Laws Terms, Tide Tables for Principal Scottish Ports and a detailed listing of the Members of the Royal Family. The author of the diaries is unknown. From context, we can gather that her husband, 'A' is a minister, possibly Church of England. There are a number of references to locations that lead one to believe they live in Edinburgh. Her entries recount personal events and happenings within her community: "Went into town in the afternoon and accomplished all my errands which were numerous. Called on Mrs. [ ], [ ], Mrs [ ] also on Miss Gibson" [April 27, 1888]. "Stopped at Britismans, a cod fishing station. 31 millions caught this year ... "[July 4, 1888]. "Lunched with D McGregor and Lady Jane Dundas and Lady Caroline Charteris. Aunt Helen [ ] had baptism ... " [Mar 5, 1889]. "Left Edinburgh at 10:30 for Abington where the 4-in-hand coach awaited us. The party consists of Mr & Mrs Thomas Leadbetter, Miss Thomas Ball, P & E and us. Lunched at Leadhills down Menock Pass past Canonbridge to Thornhill. Called at the Rogersons" [May3, 1889]. She notes with a great deal of tenderness: "... Tonight at ten minutes past eleven our little girl came to us - our first born. How strange it all seems! God be praised" [Aug 7, 1889]. "Percy left this morning. Mary at Creigs. A left this morning for Balmoral with P who was going across to Fife ..." [Sept 21, 1889]. "Meeting about various messages in the morning, Shopping with E in the afternoon. Made calls in connection with the projected mission. Harry Parker came in at night. Called on Mrs. Williamson" [June 8, 1891]. "At Graham Park Mission all day decorating the hall..." [Dec 23, 1892]. Many entries note shopping excursions and lunches with friends. She helps out with church events and bazaars. She has a very busy social life as would befit someone who is married to a minister with some standing in his community. The diaries contain a section for noting who visited, the date of their visit and when the visit was reciprocated. There are many entries over the time period. Her cash accounts are sporadic but do note costs of various items plus her donations to various causes. Twenty five years on, her life is still focused around family, her very busy social life and church activities. "A went to [ ]'s funeral and took the service. I had no black or dark clothes so I sent flowers. I called upon Mrs [ ]. Fresh but cold. ..." [Aug 13, 1924]; "Went hunting for carpets for Joppa Home in the morning."[Apr 14, 1927]. Joppa Home was a home for unmarried mothers and their babies. This is a superb resource for a social historian looking at the role of women in a society with a highly defined structure. This would be especially the case for Victorian Scotland. The author is a very literate, educated woman who diligently records her daily life over a period of many years. Church historians would find the many notes of churches and church events an excellent research reference.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Good +

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