Leonora Sansay, 1809

[SANSAY, Leonora (1773-1821)]. Laura. By a Lady of Philadelphia. New York: Published by Inskeep & Bradford, printed by Robert Carr, 1809.

First edition of Sansay's rare second novel, a story of thwarted love, possibly alluding to her relationship with Aaron Burr. Described as a "faithful account of real occurrences," Laura followed Secret History: or, The Horrors of St. Domingo by a year. "In pestilential scenes of 'terror,' 'agony,' and 'infection,' like those already represented by Leonora in Secret History, a lonely orphan named Laura falls in love with a young medical student named Belfield, who takes her in, adores her, and catches yellow fever. Once nursed back to health by Laura's devotion, Belfield loses her, only to die in a duel when they are finally reconciled. Cheated of marriage to one who was her lover as well as mentor, Laura survives, but 'happiness remained a stranger to her bosom'" (Dayan, pp.169-70). Rare: no auction records whatsoever in RBH. Wright 2279. See Joan Dayan, Haiti, History, and the Gods (1996).

12mo (179 x 95mm). (Upper margin of title-page extended, some soiling and creasing to leaves). Original boards (rebacked, corners renewed). Provenance: Steeles Circulating Library (ink notes to front and rear endpapers, numbered "No. 573").