When the Laborers Are Few By Margaret Deland (1909) | Illustrated | Harper Edition| Art Nouveau Cover

By Margaret Deland
Illustrated by Alice Barber Stephens
Published by Harper & Brothers, New York and London, 1909

A striking 1909 first edition of Where the Laborers Are Few by Margaret Deland, beautifully illustrated by the celebrated artist Alice Barber Stephens, known for her evocative depictions of late Victorian and early 20th-century domestic life.

This edition showcases a decorative art nouveau binding in sage green cloth, designed with climbing hollyhocks framing an open window—a motif of hope and introspection that perfectly captures Deland’s narrative spirit. The book features elegant floral-patterned endpapers, delicate green-tinted vignette illustrations throughout, and high-quality deckle-edged pages printed on thick laid paper.

A reflective story set in the fictional town of Old Chester, Pennsylvania, Deland’s prose explores moral duty, compassion, and the complexities of human faith—hallmarks of her celebrated work in early American realism.

A beautifully preserved copy with bright, unfaded cover design, clean interior, and tight binding. 

Condition: Very Good +

Size: 5 1/2” x 8 1/2”

An exceptional example of early 20th-century American book design—where literary grace meets exquisite illustration and artistry.