Call Number:

Ms. Codex 1736

Repository:

University of Pennsylvania: Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts

Extent:

0.1 linear feet (1 volume)

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

"Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography," 1866, Ms Codex 1736, Kislak Center for Special Collections, Rare Books and Manuscripts, University of Pennsylvania

Date:

1866 (inclusive)

Creator:

Olmstead, J. M. (James Munson), 1794-1870

Form:

Manuscripts (documents) and Writings (documents)

Abstract:

This unpublished manuscript, titled "Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography," is signed by Reverend James Munson Olmstead. It is unclear, however, if this is actually an autobiography of Olmstead or a fictional work of his creation. The identity of "Mortimer" remains unclear throughout the text. This work is dated 1866 and was a part of Reverend John Wright's library.

Reverend James Munson Olmstead was born in Stillwater, New York on February 17, 1794 and died in Philadelphia, PA on October 16, 1870. He graduated from Union College in 1819 and Princeton Theological Seminary in 1822 and became a missionary and pastor. Olmstead authored several Christian focused books including, Thoughts and Counsels for the Impenitent, Our First Mother, and Noah and his Times. All three works were printed in the United States and the last was also printed abroad.

"Mortimer Myself, An Autobiography," written in 1866, consists of the daily happenings in one man's life. The narrator's direct identity remains unclear throughout the text. The attributed author of the book is stated as James Munson Olmstead, but the only name mentioned in the text is "Mortimer." This work consists of four hundred eighty eight pages of handwritten manuscript that primarily contain descriptions of Mortimer's daily encounters with various people, notably women, and how he feels about them. These encounters are combined with an underlying Christian theme.

Some place names mentioned in the text include Elmsgrove Plantation, Riverside, Tunbridge, Harworth, [Longyunak] Bay, Ashford, and Sunny Place. It is unclear if these locations are fictional or if they are intended to be set in the United States or in Britain.

While there are a few words crossed out, the majority of corrections appears to have been made by glueing strips of paper with revised text onto the page. Similarly, there are occasionally additional pages added to the volume.