with an introduction by Bonnie Hurd Smith
Judith Sargent Murray published this short-lived series in 1794 in
the Federal Orrery, one of Boston's semi-weekly newspapers.
She had been approached that year by the newspaper's editor, Thomas
Paine, to submit her work when she moved from Gloucester,
Massachusetts, to Boston. But "Mr Paine" edited her work so
extensively she pulled the column after only five installments. The
essays that appeared explore lessons Murray "reaped" from people and
events in her life that she hoped would inspire her readers toward
virtuous behavior. The book's introduction contains images from the
essay series and from Judith Sargent Murray's life.
Until Bonnie Hurd Smith encountered letters written from Judith
Sargent Murray to Thomas Paine, no one knew who "The Reaper" was. You
may learn more from this site about Smith's
multiyear
project to transcribe and
publish Murray's letter books.
Soft cover monograph, 20 pages, 7 images. $12.00 includes shipping.