Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - January - 2009 Issue
A Look at America's Past from David Lesser Antiquarian Books
The latest in Rare Americana from David Lesser.
Here is a combination of an honest letter and a notable forgery: President Lincoln's Views. An Important Letter on the Principles Involved in the Vallandigham Case. Clement Vallandigham was an Ohio Copperhead congressman, his opposition to the war and pro-South policies a thorn in Lincoln's side. The President eventually had him arrested for disloyal statements and hindering prosecution of the war. Here, Lincoln responds to contentions that Vallandigham's arrest violated his rights to free speech. Writes, Lincoln, "Must I shoot a simple-minded boy who deserts, while I must not touch a hair of the wily agitator who induces him to desert?" This copy of Lincoln's letter is made more interesting by the signature on it - "A. Lincoln." It also contains a notarized statement from William Brown, who said he was Mrs. Lincoln's coachman, and that she had given him the book. It was all a ruse. Forgers Eugene Field and Harry Sickles had enticed Brown to sign the books, and had his signature notarized, but then later added the Lincoln signature and the claim that Mrs. Lincoln had given the books to Brown. Item 81. $500.
Item 79 is a commercial catalogue: Flint Ware. Manufactured by Kohler, Hayssen & Stehn Manufacturing Co. Sheboygan, Wisconsin. This 1880s manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom articles may not sound familiar until you drop the last two names. Today they simply go by the Kohler name. $375.
Americans have loved automobiles and travel by car almost as long as the contraptions have existed. Item 8 is a large collection of American automotive guides, primarily between 1910 and 1960. It includes 50+ automotive guides and 70+ folding road maps, mostly from various oil companies, from the days when gas stations provided free road maps (along with pumping gas for you, checking your oil, and washing your windshield). $3,500.
David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books can be reached at 203-389-8111 or dmlesser@lesserbooks.com. The website is www.lesserbooks.com.
