Group of five prints months of Godey's Fashions; February 1870, February 1871 March 1871, April 1871, October 1871. 

Overall Size: 10 x 12 in.

Sight Size: 8 5/8 x 10 3/4 in.

#46 #1639 

Godey’s Lady’s Book, alternatively known as Godey’s Magazine and Lady’s Book, was an American women’s magazine that was published by Louis A. Godey in Philadelphia from 1830 to 1878. Godey wanted to take advantage of the popularity of gift books, many of which were marketed specifically to women. Each issue contained poetry, articles, and engravings created by prominent writers and other artists of the time. Additionally, the fashion plates in every issue were hand-colored engravings and color lithographs that provided information to dressmakers and home sewers about the latest fashion trends, since clothing could not be obtained ready-made in this era. Sarah Josepha Hale (author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb”) was Godley’s editor from 1837 until 1877 and only published original, American manuscripts. Her work in a regular section under the heading “Employment for Women” is seen as pivotal for the rights of women in the United States throughout the 19th Century. In 1845, Godey began copyrighting each issue of the magazine to prevent other magazine and newspaper editors from infringing their texts, a first in America. Its circulation rose from 70,000 in the 1840s to 150,000 in 1860, making it the most widely circulated magazine in the period before the Civil War. After being sold to John Hill Seyes Haulenbeek in 1877, a series of poor management decisions and ownership changes led the publication to close down in 1896.

Location Box 9