We can only wonder how history might have evolved had Lincoln stuck with Hamlin, for early in his second term, Lincoln was assassinated, and the moderate Johnson, rather than the more radical Hamlin, ascended to the presidency. Hamlin would go on to serve briefly in the Civil War, as a cook and private, and would return to his first love, the senate, from 1869-1881. He died a decade later on July 4th. Item 176 is Hamlin's biography, The Life and Times of Hannibal Hamlin, by his son, Charles Hamlin, published in 1899. $200.

Item 57 is an outstanding item for Robert Frost collectors. It is a Frost bibliography, with the appropriate title Robert Frost Bibliography, by W.B. Shubbrick Clymer and Charles R. Green. This was a 1937 limited edition, with 650 copies printed, 150 of them on handmade paper (this is one of the latter, number 104). It is signed by Frost. $550.

Article 2 is A Pocket Almanack for the Year of our Lord 1784. Being bissextile..., Uh oh. What is this? Do we have something off-color and controversial here? Should bissextiles be allowed to marry? Well, you can relax. There is no controversy at all. However, there is a new word to add to your vocabulary. "Bissextile" simply means pertaining to a leap year. So, of course, bissextiles, people born in a leap year, should be allowed to marry. Why not? And you can purchase this bisexy almanack for your own collection for $250.

One final note: for fans of children's writer Maurice Sendak, J & J Hanrahan offers a complete collection. It contains virtually everything Sendak ever published, primarily first editions in unclipped dust jackets, and much, much more. The collection was put together over a period of 44 years and includes 695 items. $220,000.

You may find J & J Hanrahan on the web at www.jandjhanrahan.com or call them at 207-646-1811.