Presentation edition of the first edition of P. T. Barnum's [1810-1891] 78 year autobiography. Likely what we would today call an "advance" copy, distributed to the Press for the purpose of review, etc.,
This example, nicely preserved, includes a dictated letter, which is hand-signed, explaining the origins of the volume. Interestingly, the lack of direct recipient implies he did multiples of this letter for various papers, etc., and perhaps that this example was undistributed. No other copies with this presentation located.
The TLS:
"Dictated
Waldemere
Bridgeport, Conn. March, 1888
Editor of . . . .
Dear Sir:
During this past winter I was visited by so many newspaper representatives seeking information on such subjects as the death of Jenny Lind, the burning of the winter quarters of the show at Bridgport [sic], and others, that I found myself almost unequal to the task of supplying it to so many different persons.
The newspapers in other cities and towns are not so directly in communication with me as those of New York, and I thought, as I had just added the necessary appendix to my book (Life of P. T. Barnum) to complete it to the present year, it might, at some needed time furnish just the information wanted on subjects associated with me during the past seventy years.
Believing, also, that the book contains much valuable information, of a general kind, of service to the youth of the country, I beg your acceptance of the accompanying volume, trusting it may prove an addition to your library.
Truly yours,
P. T. Barnum [signed]"
Barnum, P. T. Life of P. T. Barnum. Written by Himself, Including His Golden Rules for Money-Making. Brought up to 1888. Illustrated. Buffalo. The Courier Company. 1888. 357pp.
Good + to very good, abrasions to cloth at head of spine, nick at top of front board, and corners just through. Slightly cocked, minor soft crease to first few leaves. Else, near fine. Solid and clean.
