ALDRICH, THOMAS BAILEY
    American poet (1836-1907). Autograph Verse. Four lines in his hand, "I little read those poets who have made / A noble art of pessimistic trade..." There is also an image of Aldrich, newly framed, 12" x 17" with his signature. Aldrich was born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. After ten years in New Orleans, he moved back to Portsmouth, began writing seriously, among his novels is "The Story of a Bad Boy" said to be semi-autobiographical. Tom Bailey is the childhood hero and critics have said this was the first realistic depiction of childhood in America, and prepared the way for Huckleberry Finn (Wikipedia). Very good.