Mar 21, 2013 - Sale 2308

Sale 2308 - Lot 58

Price Realized: $ 900
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 300 - $ 400
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) BROWN, JOHN. Broadside-circular advertisement for James Redpath's 'Life of John Brown, the Liberator of Kansas.' Letterpress broadside, 8-7/8 x 5-7/8 inches. Boston: Thayer & Eldridge, 1859

Additional Details

Biographer James Redpath had in all likelihood not finished his 'complete and reliable biography of the old hero' when the publishers sent out this broadsheet seeking pre-subscribers. Chapters were no doubt being printed as the manuscript was submitted. The advertisement states 'in press and to be published before January 1st, 1860.' It also adds that 'A Liberal per centage (sic) of the Profits resulting from the publication of this work will be given to the family of Captain Brown.' In the late 19th century it was not uncommon for books to be sold in advance by subscription.