Golden Steps For Youth (1850)| Moral Lectures on Character, Religion & Marriage | First Edition

By John Mather

Published 1850, First Edition
Derby, Miller & Co., Publishers

A mid-19th century American conduct book offering a window into the moral guidance of its era. Golden Steps to Respectability, Usefulness, and Happiness (1850) by John Mather Austin, noted moralist and religious lecturer,  presents a series of instructive lectures for young people of both sexes, emphasizing personal integrity, reputation, religious devotion, and preparation for marriage.

This edition features a beautifully engraved title page with a patriotic allegory: a young man and woman holding an American flag before a neoclassical arch bearing the words “Honor,” “Truth,” “Usefulness,” “Integrity,” and “Virtue.” Its original green cloth binding is decorated with a gilt figure on the spine bearing similar emblems of moral character.

Rubbing/light staining to binding from use over time. Rubbing to edges/corners of binding. Frontispiece with tissue page. Light soiling to page edges. Binding tight. Moderate foxing to first several and back pages with some light foxing on other pages. 243pp.

  Contents include six lectures on:
    1.    The Value of a Good Reputation
    2.    The Principles and Purposes of Life
    3.    Selection of Associates
    4.    Habits and Amusements
    5.    The Religious Sentiments
    6.    Marriage

Condition: Good ++

Provenance:

Previous ownership marks noted in front pages.

A quintessential example of 19th-century American didactic literature, ideal for collectors of youth literature, religious instructionals, or cultural Americana.