Our January Number.—We have no hesitation in saying that this is, so far, the handsomest number we have ever published, in all respects: reading matter, pictorial illustrations, paper, and typography. We again are obliged to give new type, and in our choice of that we think we have been very successful. It is large and clear, and will not be so trying to the eyes as our former small type. It was manufactured for us by Messrs. Collins & M'Leester, and is in every way worthy their established reputation. We have said that this is our best number so far; but we do not mean to say that it is the best number we intend to publish, we make no such promise. Time will show; but if any magazine intends to come in competition with us, they must work harder than we do to please a public that has ever been generous to us.
Our January number is a type of the year, with the exception of the engraved title-page, which we always give in the first number. We do not commence with a large number of pages and plates to catch subscribers, and then dwindle down to a shadow. This thing is beginning to be understood by the public and the press. Hear what the "Auburn Gazette" says on the subject:—
"Godey's Lady's Book.—The last number is, of course, better than the ladies bargained for, for the veteran Godey not only does not do things miserly, but always gives more than he promises. This is perhaps the great reason of his success and popularity. We have seen January numbers of magazines that were really magnificent, but by December their attractions have 'grown small by degrees and beautifully less.' Godey's practice is the reverse of this. Excelsior! is his motto, and nobly does he work up to it. Without saying more, we simply suggest that now is the time to form clubs for the next year."
If we fall off in any respect from what we have stated above, we beg to be reminded of it.
Our Title-page for 1854.—This is really one of the most beautiful engravings we have ever published: "Time in search of Cupid." Here we have history, painting, sculpture, music, love, flowers, a little buncomb in the shape of the American Flag, and the portrait of a very worthy person, who has been the ladies' humble servant for twenty-four years. Designed for the "Book" by Gilbert, of London.
The Pleiades.—This engraving was designed expressly for the "Lady's Book" by Wm. Croome, Esq.: it recommends itself. May we say a word here about original designs? We believe that we are the only publisher that has ever gone to the expense of having original designs made for engraving. We have had more than one hundred original designs made for our own use by such artists as Gilbert, of London, Darley, Rothermel, Croome, Schussele, Waitt, and others.