Description:

Henry Ward Beecher
various, various
Fine & Eclectic Henry Ward Beecher Archive
Archive
A unique archive of material relative to the most prominent preacher and abolitionist of the nineteenth-century, Henry Ward Beecher. Included is holograph material, scarce and desirable cabinet cards and cartes-de-visite, scarce printings of Beecher's works as well as "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe, and much more. Details are below. Condition varies and we encourage bidders to view this lot in our Connecticut offices. Please see our terms about lots containing five or more items.

Holograph material (five pieces):

1. An autograph letter signed, 2 pages, 7.5 x 9.5 in., Brooklyn, February 20, 1872, on his monogrammed letterhead to "Mrs. Gov. Harvey." In part: "…If you have been in Brooklyn…and are of opinion that you can succeed here, then I shall cheerfully do all in my power to aid you. And this seems to be the case, as I judge from the tone of your letter, that a school could be built up here by faith, work, and patience I do not doubt...Brooklyn has over four hundred thousand population, and doubtless more schools are required every year…".

2. A.L.S. 2 pages, 5 x 8 in., Edinburgh, September 5, 1885, to a photograph seeker. In part: "….I regret that I cannot send you a photo of New York origin until I get back to my baggage in London. I send you one of…Mrs. Beecher. Allow me to present one of myself to your daughter, though I cannot flatter myself that it will ever seem to her so charming as hers does to me…". He adds in a postscript: "I have read the article of your daughter, and tho' I have not read the particular book criticised, I have her opinion of the author…". Split at top and an easy repair with archival tape, with second fold a bit weak.

3. An autograph note signed, declaiming a writer's hand as illegible, darkly penned on a 3.75 x 2.75 in card.

4. An inscription and signature penned on a 7 x 3.75 in. album page, dated Mar. 9, 1886. Beecher sending thanks for "...procuring Mr. Whittier's signature, a name as much honored as any in the literary world...". WITH: a signature of John Greenleaf Whittier, accomplished on a similar size page.

Printed Speeches (three pieces):

1. A collection of Henry Ward Beecher speeches: "American Rebellion. Report of the Speeches of the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, Delivered at Public Meetings in Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London and at the Farewell Breakfasts in London, Manchester and Liverpool" 175pp. 8vo. (5.75 x 9.75 inches), (Manchester: Union and Emancipation Society, 1864). Bound in linen and exhibiting wear to boards, detached spine and significant chipping to edges.

2. "The Case of E. B. Fairfield, D.D., L.L.D. Being an Examination of His 'Review of the Case of Henry Ward Beecher' Together with His Reply and a Rejoinder by Robert R. Raymond." 100pp. 5.5 x 8 inches, New York, 1874, in which Raymond debates Fairfield's characterization of Beecher. Disbound, considerable chipping.

3. "Oration at the 'Raising of the Old Flag' at Sumter and SERMON on the Death of Abraham Lincoln…" by Henry Ward Beecher, 55pp. 4.5 x 7 inches, Manchester: Alexander Ireland and Co., Pall Mall Court, 1865. A publication of the "Presentation Memorial to Working Men" of Ireland. Disbound, considerable chipping.

Books (seven)

1. Popular Amusements by Henry Ward Beecher, 41pp. 8vo. (5 x 7 in.) Philadelphia: Henry Altemas, n.y. Hardbound with cover etched in a silver and blue floral motif. Light wear and soiling, interior pages evenly toned.

2. Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators: Beecher by Elbert Hubbard, 151pp sm. 8vo. (6 x 8 inches), softbound, East Aurora, NY: The Roycrofters, 1902. Chipping to edges and light wear to cover.

3. Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Orators: Beecher by Elbert Hubbard, 151pp sm. 8vo. (6 x 8 inches), softbound, East Aurora, NY: The Roycrofters, 1903. A more lavish example of the above, printed on thicker stock and housed within a suede book jacket.

4. Norwood; Or, Village Life in New England by Henry Ward Beecher, 54pp. 8vo. (4.5 x 7.25 in.), New York: Charles Scribner & Company, 1868. Hardbound in brown linen. Pages loosened at middle of text, general wear, chipping to boards and sunning to spine.

5. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe, 475pp. 8vo. (5 x 7.5 in). New York: Grosset & Dunlap, [n.y.]. Hardbound in olive green linen. Bumped corners and edge wear, splitting and sunning to spine.

6. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (The Pleasant Hour Series) with illustrations by Mary E. Blaine, 46pp. 8vo. (5.5 x 8 inches), Chicago: Brewer, Barse & Co., [n.d.]). Significant wear to boards, chipping at spine, interior pages lightly and evenly toned.

7. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (Classics Illustrated Version), unpaginated, 4to. (7 x 10.25 inches), a softbound graphic novel of the story, published 1944.

Photographic images (11 pieces).

1. Four cabinet cards, including Sarony and Gurney.
2. Lantern slide of a folk art statue of Beecher, 1843.
3. Three cartes-de-visite, one by Bierstadt.
4. Limited edition albumen from a Brady negative on a blind-embossed presentation page, #2174/2500.
5. Two stereoview images: one showing Beecher's home; the other an elaborate memorial to him.

Ephemera

1. Cigarette card
2. Portrait engraving
3. "Hall of Fame" medal
4. Copy of "The Christian Union," New York, October 23, 1872.

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was a popular clergyman known for his outstanding and persuasive oration. An ardent social reformer, he championed the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and the temperance movement both within the United States and Europe. Unfortunately, he was brought down by an adultery scandal in 1875 that shocked the nation and "drove Reconstruction off the front pages for two and a half years" (Walter A. McDougall).

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 12" x 13"
  • Medium: Archive

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

September 18, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000