Rare 1909 Catholic Novel "So As by Fire" by Jean Connor Inscribed by Eventual RI Bishop Wm A. Hickey

ARTIFACT: This is a rare and possibly important Catholic novel by Jean Connor entitled "So As by Fire", named for a quote in Corinthians 3:15. This volume was presented to a St. Aloysius School pupil, Albina Gendreau of Ware, for "punctual attendance" in 1916. It was inscribed to her by William A. Hickey, eventual bishop of Rhode Island. Hickey started out as a pastor in Gilbertville, Massachusetts, now part of Hardwick, with a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. He went next to Clinton, where he was responsible for the establishment of a much-appreciated parochial school and parish hall. Even after his appointment as Co-Adjutor Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island and Titular Bishop in 1919, Hickey kept crusading for improved educational facilities. Despite a subset of French Canadian parishioners who objected, Hickey raised the very handsome sum for that day of over one million dollars. This book was published in 1909 by Benziger Brothers. It has a lovely Art Nouveau cover with a design believed to be attributed to Lee Thayer of the famous firm, Decorative Designers.

VINTAGE: Published 1909.

SIZE: 299 pages with some pages of advertisements of other novels; approximately 7-1/2" in height and 5-1/8" in width.

MATERIALS / CONSTRUCTION: Embossed cloth-bound cover, paper.

ATTACHMENT: Glued binding.

MARKINGS: "Awarded to Albina Gendreau for Punctual Attendance Wm. A. Hickey St. Aloysius School, Gilbertville June 25 1916" written inside cover; Printed by Benziger Brothers New York.

ITEM NOTES: This is from an early twentieth century religious book collection that we will be listing more of over the next few months. ebay VJX14 LBDEX6/14

CONDITION: 7+ (Very Fine+): The book has very light wear overall, with one stain on the title page that affects the few pages in front of and after it.