The Token, a collection of poetry and prose frequently given as a holiday gift, was published in Boston between 1828 and 1842. Goodrich served as its editor for most issues and as one of the most frequent contributors.  The Token was unusually upscale; its lavish bindings did not come cheap. In 1836 each annual was $3.50 a copy, or about $70.00 today.  Goodrich saw The Token as a way to promote American authors. He succeeded very well, with such writers as Catharine Maria Sedgwick, Lydia Huntley Sigourney, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and most notably, Nathaniel Hawthorne. This 1836 edition includes Hawthorne’s famous story “The Minister’s Black Veil.”

It is worth noting that the ending of Hawthorne’s tale of a life ruined by hyperconsciousness of sin is followed by a short poem called “I Love You, Flowers.” One can only wonder if Goodrich wanted to balance Hawthorne’s dark tale with this conventional, sentimental affirmation of love—or, maybe, Goodrich put the poem here just because it fit on the page!

Boston Public Library, Rare Books & Manuscripts