Wake-Robin A.S Elizabeth B. Custer and John Burroughs W/ Poem Variant, Old West
$ 968.55
Description
Offered for sale is a remarkable association copy of Wake-Robin by John Burroughs , published in 1899 by Houghton Mifflin Company / The Riverside Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts . This copy is distinguished by three extraordinary features : Ownership signature of Elizabeth Bacon Custer , widow of General George Armstrong Custer and a major historical figure in her own right. A full-page, original handwritten poem by John Burroughs , titled “Waiting,” written entirely in his hand. The poem is signed and dated by Burroughs: April 7, 1916 , making this a late-life literary manuscript by one of America’s most important nature writers. This is not merely a signed book, it is a unique literary manuscript bound into a historically important association copy . About the Book Title: Wake-Robin Author: John Burroughs Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company Printer: The Riverside Press, Cambridge Year: 1899 Binding: Original green cloth with gilt spine lettering About John Burroughs John Burroughs (1837–1921) was one of the most influential American writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A pioneering nature essayist and literary naturalist , he helped define American nature writing in the period following Henry David Thoreau. Burroughs was: A close friend of Walt Whitman Personally associated with Theodore Roosevelt , Henry Ford , and Thomas Edison A key figure in the early American conservation movement One of the most widely read essayists of his era Wake-Robin (1871) was his first and most important book , launching a literary career that shaped how generations of Americans understood the natural world. Original handwritten literary manuscripts by Burroughs are scarce , especially signed and dated examples. About Elizabeth Bacon Custer: Elizabeth Bacon Custer (1842–1933) was far more than simply the widow of General George Armstrong Custer. She was a best-selling author, public lecturer, and influential historical figure who played a major role in shaping the public memory of the American frontier. She authored: Boots and Saddles Tenting on the Plains Following the Guidon Her autograph is actively collected in fields including: American frontier & Western history Women’s history Civil War & Indian Wars scholarship The presence of her ownership signature establishes this book as a true personal association copy , not a casual autograph. The Unique Variant of the Handwritten Poem: Bound into this volume is a full-page handwritten poem by John Burroughs , titled “Waiting.” Key points: Written entirely in Burroughs’s hand Signed “John Burroughs” and dated “April 7, 1916” Composed in quatrains with consistent rhyme and structure The text does not match any known standard published version , suggesting this is a unique manuscript composition or variant This is original creative manuscript material , not a copied quotation or presentation inscription. Literary manuscripts of this type are far scarcer and more desirable than signed books alone. The poem’s themes, patience, destiny, time, and trust in natural order, strongly reflect Burroughs’s mature philosophy late in life. Full Transcription: Waiting Surely, I fold my hands & wait, Nor care for wind nor tide, nor fate; I roam no more; faint time nor fear; For lo! my own shall come to me. I stay my haste; I make delays, For what avails this eager pace? I stand amid the eternal ways And what is mine shall know my face. Asleep, awake, by night or day, The friends I seek are seeking me; No wind can drive my bark away Nor change the tide of destiny. What matter if I stand alone? I wait with joy the coming years; My heart shall reap where it hath sown, And garner up its fruit of tears. The stars come nightly to the sky, The tidal wave comes to the sea; Nor time, nor space, nor day, nor high, Can keep my own away from me. John Burroughs April 7, 1916 Why This Copy Is Important Combines American literary history + American frontier history Includes original, signed manuscript content True association copy , not merely signed Appeals to collectors of: Literary manuscripts American nature writing Western & frontier history Autographs & association books Dimensions: Weight - 420g Height - 18.5cm Width - 12.3cm Thickness -2.5cm
Item arrived much better than described and is such a privilege to own, ty as this probably cost you more to send than I paid (honestly, I expected the item to be of much, much poorer quality for the prise!), well packaged and shipped fast. would encourage anyone to buy from this person! A +++
Couldn't be happier! Very fast shipping from the UK. Packaged well and all arrived in great shape. Exactly as described at a very fair price. I will put them in Pride of Place in my library. Thanks much! 5*
Beautiful! A piece of history in great condition for being 250 years old. Fast shipping with tracking was very helpful. Very pleased with kind and fast service.
Related products
1569 Great Bible Bound W/Metal Working, Tudor Period, Quarto Printing, H-129
$ 7383.57Vtg "A Manual On The Aquiring Of A Beautiful & Legible Handwriting" 1977
$ 21.11Reading book of world history - the history of mankind from its beginning 1880
$ 74.95Towse Publishing Co. / TEXTILES COLLECTING The Period Guide to Fabrics 1925
$ 173.72