The New-York Historical Society sneeze or cough, lest the book might come under Lamb's description of a "rare" book, that is, one not "well done." Few artists will adapt themselves to this arduous kind of work or take the trouble to learn the peculiarities of materials.. .. Cronin took the trouble to master the art of book illustration, and the volumes he embellished are a delight to book lovers today. David Edward Cronin was born in Greenwich, Washington County, New York, July 12, 1839. One of nine children whose parents died when he was a young boy, he was raised by his elder brothers and sisters. He early showed a passion for art and received primary training. Upon leaving school at the age of fifteen, he set out to teach art in nearby towns, but this effort did not prove successful, and he was obliged, in order to earn a few dollars, to secure a position in a law office in Troy, New York. While in Troy, he received his first real instruction in drawing and painting from Albion Conant. In September, 1855, he moved to New Y)rk City with the purpose of attending the antique school of the National Academy of Design, but discovered there would be no session that season. With funds getting low, he found work with a law firm on Nassau Street. Aided and encouraged by his employer, who noticed his talent, young Cronin opened a studio on the upper floor of the People's Bank Building in Canal Street. He copied some old masters in the Bryan Gallery of Art (now at The New-York Historical Society) and was given a position as a clerk there. The ambitious artist received from Thomas Bryan the help and encouragement of that able art connoisseur. After a year with Mr. Bryan, Cronin returned to Troy, established himself in a studio, and painted portraits, with some success. His health began to fail, however, and his physician advised rest and a change of scene. This coincided with his desire to study abroad. Realizing between three and four hundred dollars for his paintings, he sailed from New York, for London, on the 18