Author: Bryan, William Jennings
Title: Speeches of Congressman Bryan, of Nebraska, in the House of Representatives, During the 52d and 53d Congress (Signed/Inscribed Presentation Copy)
Description: Lincoln, Nebraska, (Privately Printed by F. Schwind), 1894. First Edition. First edition; 9 x 6; pp. 186 (each speech with a separate pagination); black morocco over boards with four raised bands to spine; title, year of publication, and presentee's name in gilt on front board and spine; illustrated with portrait frontis and tables; a few scratches to boards and small rubbed spots to tips of spine and corners; leather at head of spine a bit brittle; overall in very good condition. William Jennings Bryan (1860 - 1925) was a politician, an orator, US Secretary of State and three times Democratic Presidential nominee. He was a devoted advocate for the Prohibition, a staunch anti-Evolutionist, and a supporter of the wisdom of the common people, for which he would become known as "The Great Commoner." His current book contained his various congressional speeches, including those on duties, taxes, tariffs, and the Silver Question. The work was presented to J. D. Calhoun with the inscription: "With compliments of your friend / W. J. Bryan / August 1894." Calhoun was the editor of "The Lincoln Journal" and one, who allegedly played a role, albeit tangential, in the demise of legendary outlaw Jesse James. In early 1882, Calhoun had advertised the sale of 160 acres of prime land outside of Franklin, Nebraska. Jesse, who had family ties in Nebraska and who was, presumably, tired of life on the run and wanted to settle in the countryside and raise his children in peace, contacted the editor, told him he was interested in purchasing the land, and arranged to meet him (although not officially confirmed, the meeting did happen and Jesse committed to buying the property). Meanwhile, his resources had been depleted and he needed to pull one more heist in order to be able to acquire his dream farm. While discussing his plans for that final robbery of the Platte City Bank with brothers Bob and Charley Ford, the last two remaining members of the James-Younger gang, Jesse was shot in the back of the head by Robert Ford. Very good .

Keywords: Presentation Copy, Politics


See more books from our catalog: Politics