Godey's Lady's Book
In 1830, a "magazine of elegant literature was cast, doubtingly, upon the uncertain stream of public favor--it's name the Lady's Book and Louis A. Godey the publisher. It was a novel enterprise at the time, and few thought it would outlive the first year of its nativity. It soon became apparent, however, that its management was in the hands of one who knew the want of the time, and had the tact and taste required for its supply."


Such was the pronouncement of Godey himself in the February 1850 issue of his Lady's Book.

These lexia, or perhaps in deference to the times we should say "collection of leaves," examine Godey's, its publisher, its editor, and some of the criticism it has received and engendered. Here you will find images from the Book, an examination of its contents, some of its fiction and other selected items. The focus of this collection are the volumes from 1855 through 1858.


The monthly magazine was collected as volumes of six months each. At the beginning of each volume was a Table of Contents. Individual issues of the Book contained the following sections:

Illustrations: All images to date

Fiction: Selected Authors

Non-fiction: Selected works (coming soon!)

Receipts: Selected Examples (coming soon)

S.J. Hale's Editorials: Editors' Table

Literary Notices: Selected Examples

L.A. Godey's Editorials: Godey's Arm Chair

Fashions & Patterns: Selected Examples


Articles on various aspects of the Book:

Publisher: Louis A. Godey
Principal Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale
Publication History: 1830 to 1898 (highlights)

Images of Men in the Book
Images of Women in the Book


Bibliography
About Godey's Lady's Book on the Web

Written and copyright by: Hope Greenberg of the University of Vermont.