Details:

An interesting literary archive relating to Abraham Lincoln, consisting of George William Bell's original manuscript for his historical poem, "Abraham Lincoln: A Poetical Interpretation," together with handwritten manuscript pages, editorial corrections, and original correspondence concerning the publication of the work.

The collection includes a 39-page typewritten manuscript draft featuring numerous handwritten corrections, revisions, and editorial notations. Additional handwritten manuscript pages by Bell include material relating to the poem's organization and a draft of its foreword.

The dramatic verse explores Lincoln's character, leadership, and historical legacy, concluding with the lines:

"A man, our very own, to earth so near,
So simple in his heartfelt tenderness,
Yet with a vision, piercing heights, a seer,
Tracing the storm clouds and the war's duress.
Seems human life a vain and worthless thing
Attuned by Lincoln to love's deathless spring!"

Accompanying the manuscript are approximately ten pages of handwritten correspondence from Bell to the Arthur H. Clark Company concerning the preparation, printing, and publication of his work.

In one particularly interesting letter, Bell writes:

"I am forwarding by registered mail the Ms. of my poem on Abraham Lincoln. I realize somewhat the state of the market so far as poetry concerned. Still, as Dr. Turner told me, the people may surprise us in what they demand, and the Poem of Lincoln possesses the American heart."

Bell goes on to describe the enthusiastic reception of his manuscript by a member of the Massachusetts State Board of Education, who reportedly suggested that portions of the poem should be memorized by American high school students.

The correspondence also references the forthcoming 1913 Gettysburg anniversary celebration, which Bell believed would generate interest in his publication. In additional letters, Bell discusses typographical corrections, proposed illustrations of Lincoln, and various production considerations.

The Arthur H. Clark Company ultimately published "Abraham Lincoln: A Poetical Interpretation" privately for Bell in 1913, in a limited edition of just 125 copies.

The timing of the publication is particularly significant, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Address. The 1913 Gettysburg reunion brought thousands of surviving Union and Confederate veterans together and renewed national interest in Lincoln's life, leadership, and legacy.

An appealing archive documenting the creative and editorial development of a privately published Lincoln tribute, offering insight into the author's writing process and the practical challenges of bringing a historical literary work to publication in the early 20th century.

The collection includes the 39-page typewritten manuscript with handwritten revisions, additional handwritten manuscript material, and approximately ten pages of original correspondence. Very good to fine condition overall, with scattered age toning, original folds, handling wear, and editorial markings consistent with the manuscripts' preparation and use.

George William Bell was an American poet and author whose "Abraham Lincoln: A Poetical Interpretation" was privately published in 1913. Written during a period of renewed national reflection on the Civil War, the work sought to celebrate Lincoln's moral character, political leadership, and enduring place in American history. The accompanying correspondence with the Arthur H. Clark Company provides an unusually detailed record of the poem's development and publication.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

Premium:
A 25% Buyers Premium Will Be Added to All Winning Bids

Reference sku: 11705 1419428-1