FIRST EDITION OF SANDBURG’S ABRAHAM LINCOLN: THE WAR YEARS
SANDBURG, Carl. Abraham Lincoln: The War Years. New York: Harcourt, Brace, (1939). Four volumes. Octavo, original blue cloth gilt, original box with cover label. $750.
First trade edition of the second of Sandburg’s landmark Lincoln biographies, illustrated with 414 photographic halftones and numerous additional cuts of cartoons, letters, and documents.
Sandburg grew up in the Knox County neighborhoods with which Lincoln was familiar; the poet met people who knew Lincoln not only as a politician but also as a man. "The most popular Lincoln biography yet written… Lincoln publications increased after the appearance of this work" (Monaghan 2877, 3711). Preceded by a deluxe signed limited edition of 525 copies, published in the same year. Without scarce original glassine; two volumes with later plain dust jackets. Howes S82. With publisher's promotional material laid in.
A fine set in a restored box.