RARE BOOK The Rival Volunteers by Mary A. Howe / Civil War Novel / 1st Ed 1864

  
The Rival Volunteers; or The Black Plume Rifles by Mary A. Howe / 1st Ed 1864. This is a very hard to find Civil War Novel written by a female author. Very little information can be located about the author. Except that she was from Boston and wrote another novel entitled: Merchant-Mechanic: A Tale of the New England Athens. Howe dedicated the book to her brother, who was serving as a volunteer in the Massachusetts First Regiment; she writes that These pages are affectionately inscribed, with a sister's earnest assurance that not alone our country's brave defenders suffer in this our hour of national anguish; but that many who obey no bugle call, listen to no cannon's roar, bear, nevertheless, their full share in the nation's sorrow, through lasting ties of kindred and of sympathy. There is some foxing / browning on the pages, the leather hardcover has some fraying on the edges. There is one page that is slightly wider than the others and has some wrinkling edges (additional photo included to show). Please open images to view in larger detail, see all item photos for condition and quality. Thank you for your interest in this item. Don't be afraid of sending an offer. Momma always said "If you don't ask, the answer is always NO". Feel free to send me a message with any questions, comments or concerns.