Here is an item with more of an American connection:  Complete Works, by Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln wasn't really an author, though editors John Nicolay and John Hay managed to fill 12 volumes with material written by or about Lincoln. Nicolay and Hay met during Lincoln's presidential campaign in 1860, and both joined his staff. Each was an ardent admirer of Lincoln, and they would cooperate to write a biography of the martyred President as well. Lincoln's son Robert gave Nicolay and Hay access to the President's papers, enabling them to compile this work. It was published in 1894, and this was evidently a deluxe edition. Item 257. $3,250.

 

Item 204 is an example of one of the more unusual, generally anonymous art forms - fore-edge painting. While such artists today generally take credit for their work, a century and more ago they were almost always anonymous. This one is an exception. Miss C.B. Currie signed her works, 131 of which she is known to have drawn. She was also known for helping produce the "Cosway bindings." The book is The Exiles of Italy, published in 1857, the writer being either Charles Gillingham or his wife. While Miss Currie's drawings are generally not related to the subject of the books, this one is, depicting Roman scenes. $5,500.

 

Phillip J. Pirages Fine Books and Manuscripts may be reached at 503-472-0476 or pirages@onlinemac.com. Their website is www.pirages.com.