An Oration on Death, and the Happiness of the Separate State, or the Pleasures of Paradise. . . . Also, An Oration of the Author's, written early in the spring of 1816, on the then present outpourings of the Spirit of God, in New England . . . Also, Four Hymns or Poems of the Author's . . .
Williamsburgh [Mass.]: Printed by Ephraim Whitman, 1817. First edition. 12mo, original tree sheep, brown leather spine label, gilt lettering, iv, 300 pages, all edges sprinkled. Somewhat rubbed, with a small hole to the spine and label; somewhat stained; a good, sound copy. Item #19498
The Bard of the Berkshires, Bodman (1766-1850) was perhaps the last great efflorescence of the New England Puritan poets in the lineage of Michael Wigglesworth; Bodman's four poems here include a piece "On the Great Mortality of the Women and Children in Williamsburgh, in 1788," when six women and five infants died in childbirth: "Six mothers are departed hence! / Their consorts left in great suspense, / Which way to go, whither to run; / Nor can they their sore troubles shun." Stoddard & Whitesell 1157; Wegelin Addenda 23. Contemporary ink ownership signature on the front blank.
Price: $250.00