19th-century "Household Edition" of Oliver Wendell Holmes' Poems

Circa 1886/United States

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was a prominent American physician, poet, and polymath. He was a key figure in the mid-19th century American literary scene, known for his witty and often patriotic verse. His "Household Edition" collections were popular during his lifetime and remain collectible today.

The "Household Edition" of poets was a common publishing format in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, designed to make classic literature accessible and affordable to the general public. These editions often featured illustrations and were bound in durable cloth covers, making them suitable for everyday reading and display in homes.