J. Bradburn, New York

John Bradburn (1805-1898) was a native of Ireland and immigrated to America in 1820. He peddled books initially until he began publishing books. He apparently made enough as a publisher to invest in real estate and in 1868 his investments were profitable enough for him to retire from the book business.

Bradburn shared office space with M. Doolady, another New York publisher, in the early 1860's. From about 1861 to 1867, the Bradburn imprint noted "successor to M. Doolady".

J. Bradburn published three series for juveniles.

Magic Wheel Series

First published by M. Doolady in about 1863. Editions of these books were printed by Doolady as late as 1867. J. Bradburn also published these volumes in the mid 1860's.

You can look upon a mirror through the magic wheel while it is spinning and the figures seen perform tricks. The wheels are 7" in diameter. This is called a phenakistiscope.

The box pictures a mother and child looking at the wheel. The box is 9.5" x 9.5".

College Library by Dean Frederic W. Farrar

This series was published in 1865 by John Bradburn. These titles are reprints.

Cloth. Various colors. Blindstamped. Gilt spine lettering. 5" x 7.5".

Aunt Mary's Library

10 volumes

This library is noted in an 1865 advertisement. I have no information about the titles or the formats.