Luthera M. Whitney's Charming Antique Sketchbook, Full needle and thread box In subsequent years she lived

In subsequent years she lived in Italy and travelled widely

But this is the first I've found that is completely blank

I purchased this directly from a seller in Russia when it was still winter

Anything would feel special served on this elegant hand thrown ceramic black-glazed plate with three perfect white circles radiating in from its lip

There are a few brown stains here and there but the drawing is crisp and bright and the paper in excellent condition

Luthera M. Whitney's Charming Antique Sketchbook, Full needle and thread box In subsequent years she livedI did bother to look up Luthera Whitney, who signed this sketchbook, and turns out she went on to become a published writer, with works including (doesn't seem too surprising!) "Old Time Days and Ways," focused on homesteading, published in 1883. I also found a record of her listed as a school teacher in Springfield Vermont in 1870, age 26, so would guess this sketchbook dates to 1860 or so. While not every sketch here is super exciting, there are a