“ONE OF THE SUPREME UTTERANCES OF THE PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM” (PMM): FIRST BOOK-FORM PUBLICATION OF THE GETTYSBURG ADDRESS, EXCEPTIONAL IN ORIGINAL WRAPPERS

(LINCOLN, Abraham) EVERETT, Edward. An Oration Delivered on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, (November 19, 1863) at the Consecration of the Cemetery Prepared for the Interment of the Remains of Those Who Fell in the Battles of July 1st, 2d, and 3d, 1863. New York: Baker & Godwin, 1863. Octavo, original printed paper wrappers. Housed in custom chemise and half blue morocco slipcase.

Rare first book-form appearance of Lincoln’s magnificent Gettysburg Address, corresponding almost exactly to the spoken version transcribed by Associated Press reporter Joseph L. Gilbert, in original wrappers.

The Gettysburg Address, a few short lines scrawled, according to popular legend, on scratch-paper and the backs of envelopes, is one of the most cherished documents in the history of the United States. On November 19, 1863, Lincoln arose after Edward Everett’s two-hour dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg and “delivered the ‘few appropriate remarks’ requested of him, and in ten sentences did unforgettable justice to the thousands of young Americans who had struggled with incredible bravery…” (Bruce Catton). “The Washington Chronicle of 18-21 November reported extensively on this ceremony and included a verbatim text of ‘Edward Everett’s Great Oration.’ On the fourth day it noted in passing that the President had also made a speech, but gave no details. When it came to the separate publication on 22 November, Everett’s ‘Oration’ was reprinted from the standing type, but Lincoln’s speech had to be set up. It was tucked away as a final paragraph on page 16 of the pamphlet. It was similarly treated when the meanly produced leaflet was replaced by a 48-page booklet published by Baker and Godwin of New York in the same year” (PMM 351). Lincoln’s address appears on page 40. This edition was preceded only by the exceptionally rare 16-page pamphlet, The Gettysburg Solemnities, known in only two copies. Wills’ study of the Address discusses its textual variations and the surprising difficulty in determining precisely what Lincoln said. This printing tracks almost exactly the spoken version delineated by Wills, with only two minor differences. Wills, 191-204, 261-263. Howes E233. Sabin 23263. Streeter 1747. Monaghan 193.

Only minute marginal chips and short tears to fragile original paper wrappers. Far finer than often found, a beautiful copy.