Books
Progress & Prospects of PEI
Progress & Prospects of PEI
Title: The Progress and Prospects of Prince Edward Island, written during the leisure of a visit in 1861
Author: C(ornelius). Birch Bagster
Printer: The Queen’s Printer, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island: 1861
Description: 8vo. 139pp + xxxvi Appendix and local advertising. Printed paper on stiff card boards. This copy carries an ownership signature in black ink on the front free endpaper for Edward B. Alleyne. A fair example of a seldom seen P.E.I. title. “The Progress and Prospects of Prince Edward Island” was published by C. Birch Bagster at Charlottetown in 1861. The author says the book’s intent is “to supply information upon which enquiring emigrants may rely, and actual settlers adopt as the basis of a wider knowledge of their beautiful island home.” The covers show edge wear, soiling from handling, and damp staining. The paper spine is lacking. The interior pages show age toning and occasional damp staining.
Cornelius Birch Bagster (1815-1893) was the son of publisher Samuel Bagster (1772-1851). He married Susanna Maria Aitken (1815-1873) on 22nd November 1843 in Prince Edward Island.
Edward B. Alleyne was 16-years-old when he moved with his family from Barbados to Prince Edward Island in 1838. The Alleynes made Hillsborough Castle at the Head of the Hillsborough River their home. Edward Alleyne would become a Justice of the Peace and a member of the 2nd Kings County Regiment of the Reserve Militia. He was also involved in politics.