Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch by Alice Hegan Rice (1962 Hardcover w/o DJ)




A national bestseller when first published in 1901, Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch endures today as one of the most memorable literary creations by the Kentucky author Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice (1870-1942). Tale of the ever optimistic Mrs. Wiggs and her family struggling against all odds in the Cabbage Patch, an old Louisville slum "where ramshackle cottages played hop-scotch over the railroad tracks."


First the cheerful and kind Mrs. Nancy Wiggs, who does her best to help out her equally poor neighbors - even when she doesn't have enough food and coal for her own kids. She's assisted in supporting the family by fifteen-year-old son Jim (target of prejudice), brother Billy (an ordinary mischievous kid), and the three girls are chiefly notable for their names: Asia, Australia, and Europena. An early focus on the human face of urban poverty.


There were at least two, possibly three movies made from this story. The 1st was a silent film. The second was a better remembered version starring W.C. Fields.


Undoubtedly, the new illustrations by Norma and Dan Garris allowed a new copyright.


As new hardcover. Interior is tight, clean and unmarked. Hardcover has illustrated laminated boards with black lettering on spine. No DJ as issued.



Copyright 1962. No Edition or print-run info. Printed in the U.S.A. Whitman catalog 3602. No ISBN, LCCN nor MSR, although a sticker on one copy suggests a price of $0.59.



Notes on Condition/Edition ratings:


Fine – means like new, but any book produced over 10 years ago isn't “brand new” or even “new.”  Booksellers needed some word to describe this...


Like New – A new book, no marks no damage (except maybe remainder marks or shelf-wear) except not obtained directly from the publisher or in packaging from the publisher.


Very Good – How you or I might take care of a book, closer to “as new” than standard. Might show ownership.


Good – How someone else might take care of a book. Also referred to as “standard.” This is the most likely condition for books of this age & title, shows the book has been read or previously owned.


Acceptable – How a child, student or a librarian might take care of a book. (Either trying to make sure

someone doesn't steal it by plastering ownership everywhere, filled it with copious notes or a book that has been damaged.)


Poor – Combination of “acceptable” factors above. Most likely with water damage as well. Might have

missing pages (you should ask).


Near – Means “almost” in an optimistic sense. e.g., “Near Fine” means very good, but on the high end.


1st Thus – Unique somehow, maybe 1st paperback, new illustrator, misprint or even the 1st edition. A collector

might desire this copy.


Thanks for looking!