My Uncle's Dream, Or the Effects of Latakia Tobacco 1848 by John Fossey, Leeds tobaccanist ~ broadside ~ antique tobacciana ~ ephemera

Item: [broadside] My Uncle's Dream, Or the Effects of Latakia Tobacco

Author: John Fossey

Description: Large broadside. 66-line poem printed within ornamental woodcut borders. 17.75 x 11 inches. Tipped to acid-free board at upper edge, with matting (22.5 x 15.75 inches). Margins shows some chipping, fraying; one repair to verso (about 2'', archival tape), some light creasing and age-toning. Ready for framing. Rare. One copy located on OCLC.

A poetic reverie. John Frederick Fossey (b. 1826) was a Leeds tobacconist with a shop located at 156 Briggate throughout the 1840s. [He is noted at this address in both the 1842 and 1847 editions of the ''Directory of Leeds & the Clothing District.'' Both Fossey and his mother Catharine Fossey are identified as Leeds tobacconists in the 1851 UK census. By 1853, it appears that he may have removed to London, as only his mother is identified as the tobacconist at 156 Briggate in that year's ''White's Directory and Gazetteer of Leeds'' and the 1860 ''Post Office London Directory'' lists a John Frederick Fossey, tobacconist, 81 Myddelton St. (Clerkenwell).]

''And he sent forth wreaths from his pure Meerschaum'': line 6.
''For his pipe was of amber and froth of the sea'': line 8.
''The smoke wreaths waved o'er my uncle's head'': line 12.
''I am a spirit and doom'd to dwell /
In the Meerschaum's bowl, by a mystic spell!'': lines 33-34.
''For the smoke of the Meerschaum will quickly waste, /
And soon as its fire shall cease to burn, /
Must I to my home in its bowl return.'': lines 56-58.

Condition: Very Good

Publisher: John Fossey / 156, Briggate
Place: Leeds
Year: 1848

Keywords: tobacciana, smoking pipes, ballads, Great Britain, 19th century, smoking, poetry, Meerschaum, John Frederick Fossey, Leeds, Yorkshire, Oriental tobacco, tobacco,