By This Wing [first edition]

A collection of forty four letters, most never before published, all by Isles of Shoals poet, writer and artist, Celia Laighton Thaxter, written in her last years, 1888 to 1894, to Boston naturalist Bradford Torrey. The introduction by Donna Marion Titus gives Thaxter's life and island background as the lighthouse keeper's daughter, and later part of the family who built and operated a huge summer hotel on Appledore. The letters are arranged chronologically and grouped in chapters by years; footnotes give brief, clear historically accurate explanations. Pen and ink drawings by Titus illustrate the book throughout; oil paintings by Titus are featured on front and back covers. Bibliography and index are included. This book is for people who know nothing about Celia Thaxter or the Isles of Shoals as well as for old Shoalers.