The Gay series is a twelve book series that highlights the
"adventures" of John Gay, Mary Gay and William Gay. Each of the three
main characters have their own four book series. John and Mary are
cousins and John and William are cousins. Mary and William are also
cousins.
The books document the simple moralistic lessons that can be learned
from the cousins in their day to day life.
Hurd and Houghton was the only publisher for the series. Small 18 mo.
volumes were published between 1864 and 1870. In 1876 new format John
Gay Series Hurd and Houghton books were printed. These latter books
were also 18 mo. in size.
The John Gay books were published starting in 1864 whereas the Mary Gay
books began in 1865 The William Gay books were first copyrighted in
1869. Illustrations for all the books were done by H. W. Herrick.
John Gay Series (Copyright 1864)
I. Work for Winter
II. Work for Spring
III. Work for Summer
IV. Work for Autumn
This set was published in 1864 (first editions), 1865, 1866, 1867,
1869, 1870 and 1876. Although the cloth cover changes from year to
year, between 1864 and 1869 the gold gilt spine pattern is unchanged.
The books' format changed totally in 1876. See below.
All were copyrighted and published by Hurd and Houghton.
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1876
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Mary Gay Series (Copyright 1865)
I. Work for Winter
II. Work for Spring
III. Work for Summer
IV. Work for Autumn
This set was copyrighted by Hurd and Houghton in 1865. Editions were
published in 1865, 1866, 1867, 1869, 1870 and 1876.
The 1865 editions were co-published with E. P. Dutton and Company.
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1876
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William Gay Series (Copyright 1869)
I. Work for Winter
II. Work for Spring
III. Work for Summer
IV. Work for Autumn
It appears that this series was only published in 1869.
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1869
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