Bauman Rare Books Early 2020 Online Catalogue

A M E R I C A N A B A U M A N R A R E B O O K S • E A R L Y 2 0 2 0 O N L I N E 127 ©2020 Bauman Rare Books www.baumanrarebooks.com 1-800-97-BAUMAN (1-800-972-2862) “The Capstone Of Carnegie’s Life And Work” CARNEGIE, Andrew. Triumphant Democracy, Or Fifty Years’ March of the Republic. New York, 1891. Quarto, original gilt- and black- stamped red cloth, custom clamshell box. $3200. View on Website Early edition of Carnegie’s defining work about American and British relations and his vision of American democracy; “whoever would try to understand Carnegie… must begin with Triumphant Democracy,” an especially distinctive presentation/association copy boldly inscribed on the dedication page by him to the president of the College of Wooster, long held in high esteem by Carnegie: “Professor Holden, With regards & best wishes of Andrew Carnegie, New York Mch 31 1892.” “In 1886 America, steel was king, and Carnegie was steel. When Carnegie spoke, people listened.” While he wrote essays on political issues, “he wrote only one book, Triumphant Democracy , in which he posed the American republic as a model for remaking British political institutions… His theme was patent enough. In half a century, the United States had become the most productive and affluent nation in the world… The theme was sounded clearly and blatantly on its cover, a resplendent binding in red cloth, with figures stamped in brilliant gold… Triumphant Democracy was the capstone of Carnegie’s life and work… Whoever would try to understand Carnegie, in his many achievements and ideas, must begin with Triumphant Democracy ” (Eisemstadt, Carnegie’s Model Republic , xi-2). Carnegie “would always consider Triumphant Democracy his magnum opus” (ANB). This distinctive presentation/association copy of his seminal work has a fascinating history. It is inscribed by Carnegie to Louis E. Holden, president of Ohio’s College of Wooster. In December 1901, after the school’s Old Main was destroyed by fire, Holden “sent out telegrams to several benefactors, including steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, pleading for money in support of the University’s effort to stay alive.” In response, Holden “received a curious, but extremely generous proposal: if the College and town could raise $40,000 in 65 days, an unknown benefactor would give $100,000 towards rebuilding efforts… By working together, the College and town managed to meet the required deadline to acquire the $100,000. This anonymous benefactor was not truly anonymous, because Andrew Carnegie made the proposition to President Holden in person. However, Holden was only allowed to reveal Carnegie’s role if Carnegie’s stipulations were achieved. Carnegie originally refused to give to a Christian college, because he was not a member of any church. Yet, even in his first meeting with Holden, Carnegie declared that if he ever gave money to a Christian college, it would go to Wooster, which eventually did come true in 1902” (College of Wooster). First published in 1886. With later owner inscription; small owner inkstamp to lower fore-edge. Inscription bold and clear, text fresh and bright, only faintest soiling to bright cloth. A handsome about-fine presentation copy.