American Reform Tract and Book Society

The American Reform Tract and Book Society was established in Cincinnati in 1852. Its principles were to better personal and national life through Christian literature. Antislavery was the key tenet but temperance and westward emigration were also important.

The American Reform Tract and Book Society published both of the Pansy books in 1865. The first was a prize winner. Gurdon Judosn of Raymond, Wisconsin offered $50 for the best holiday gift book for children.

Helen Lester (Pansy) series was later published beginning in 1874 by D. Lothrop & Co. By August, 1865 the society had changed its name to the Western Tract and Book Society. The latter publisher printed a number of books by Pansy (Isabella Macdonald Alden).

The only books that could be considered a series that were printed by this firm are the two shown below.

Helen Lester Series
Pansy Series (Isabella Macdonald Alden)

Cloth. Various colors. 6” x 4.25”
Volume 1- Blindstamped with name of the publisher embossed on the cover
Volume 2- Gilt bird on the cover. Gilt design and lettering on the spine.