The Lincoln-Douglas Debates: First Edition, Inscribed by Abraham Lincoln to His Close Associate, Jackson Grimshaw

The text of these, the most celebrated debates in American political history, was typeset from Lincoln’s campaign scrapbook (now in the Library of Congress), containing pasted newspaper transcripts of his and Douglas’s addresses from the Chicago Press and Tribune, the Chicago Times, and elsewhere. Lincoln was instrumental in gathering printed copies of each debate, and having them published together.

Lincoln’s autographed copies come from different editions and printings, which suggests that Lincoln received his complimentary 100 author’s copies in installments. According to David H. Leroy’s census in 2009, some 42 are recorded as surviving. (Leroy’s list is the most comprehensive, but flawed; at least a couple of the entries do not have authentic inscriptions.)

Apparently, after inscribing several copies in ink, Lincoln noticed its tendency to ‘feather’ due to the porous paper. All but three of the known copies, including this one, are inscribed in pencil.

★ ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Political Debates between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, in the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois…, with Autograph Inscription Signed by Lincoln in pencil on the front free endpaper, “To Hon: Jackson Grimshaw with respects of A. Lincoln.” On the same page are two ownership inscriptions, one dated 1876, the other 1859. Columbus: / Follett, Foster and Company. / 1860. First edition, first issue. Original cloth binding. Fr 18 x 15 in. #22072