Hitty was carved out of mountain-ash (for good luck) in Maine by a kindly peddler, in gratitude for winter hospitality, then given to the young daughter, Phoebe Preble, of a New England sea captain. Young Phoebe was very proud of her beautiful doll and took her everywhere, even on a long sailing trip in a whaler. This charming story, told in first person, is Hitty's years with Phoebe, and the many that follow in the life of a well-loved doll with a perpetual smile. During her first century as a toy she survives an incredible catalog of dangers, countless owners (not all little girls) and numerous narrow escapes.

Hitty is privileged to travel the world from Bombay to New Orleans, although in her heart she yearns for her native Maine. She also meets many famous personalities of the 19th century: the opera singer Adellina Patti, novelist Charles Dickens, and poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Her fortunes range from being worshipped as a goddess by pagan islanders, to posing as doll of fashion.

She endures trials by water, fire, and plain neglect. Poor patient Hitty is lost, stolen, borrowed, displayed, auctioned, abused, and hidden. But she endures her fate with gentle stocisim and ends by writing a journal about her adventures. The only pride she allows herself is for the fact that her name, HITTY, is still visible on the hem of her petticoat, in red cross stitches.

We follow each detail of her story and keep hoping: yes, now she will have a good owner, the last one who will care for her properly and give her the love and respect which she deserves. But no one can write the final chapter on an antique--especially who charms by her stature and smile. This is a delightful book with many historical details which will touch the reader.