The Lamplighter by Maria Cummins Antique Book Vintage Rare George Routledge

The Lamplighter Antique Book Listing. A literary sensation that once outsold The Scarlet Letter.

Step into a bygone era of literature with this remarkable antique hardback edition of The Lamplighter. Written by Maria Susanna Cummins and published by the prestigious George Routledge and Sons in London in 1854, this volume is a true collector's gem from the golden age of the sentimental novel.

It follows the life of Gertrude Flint, an orphan rescued from mistreatment and raised with love and virtue by her adopted father, Trueman Flint. Explores enduring themes of morality, faith, and resilience that still resonate with modern readers. The immense popularity of this book famously prompted Nathaniel Hawthorne to lament the "damned mob of scribbling women" whose works were outselling his own. Owning this volume is not just acquiring a story; it is holding a piece of the literary history that defined 19th-century tastes.

George Routledge and Sons (London). This book is over 170 years old.

As an authentic antique item, it will show signs of its history. Please consult the listing photographs carefully to assess. Binding stability and cover wear.

Foxing, tanning, or discoloration of pages typical of paper from the mid-19th century. Any inscriptions or previous owner marks. This volume represents a unique opportunity for restoration enthusiasts or collectors of genuine antique literature.