Lincoln’s Legacy: Historic Americana from the Life of Abraham Lincoln

5 volumes, 8vo. Engraved portrait frontispieces in each. Contemporary calf, spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, gilt-lettering pieces in 2, others gilt, marbled edges (lettering-piece chipped on first volume, light rubbing to extremities).

FROM THE LIBRARY OF MARY TODD LINCOLN, EACH VOLUME SIGNED BY HER IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION. The works came from a much larger set of Irving's Collected Works (spines labeled vols. 19-21). 

On 13 March 1861, Mary Todd Lincoln received an invitation from the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to visit George Washington's home in Virginia, Mount Vernon. The Association offered the exclusive use of the steamer Thomas Collyer for Mrs. Lincoln and her party to visit the mansion and tomb of Washington. A little over a month later, following the attack on Fort Sumter, Virginia passed its "Ordinance of Secession" from the Union. A year later, Abraham Lincoln made his way down the Potomac River to visit Mount Vernon, but remained in the boat due to security concerns of being in Confederate territory.

Provenance:

Mary Todd Lincoln (her ownership signature on first free leaf of each volume)

Louise Taper, Beverly Hills, California