The Celebrated Trial, Madeline Pollard vs. Breckinridge

1878. Salesman's Sample Book for a Popular Account of a Sensational Trial [Salesman's Sample Book]. Breckinridge, William C.P. [1837-1904], Defendant. The Celebrated Trial, Madeline Pollard vs. Breckinridge, The Most Noted Breach of Promise Suit in the History of Court Records. Containing a Graphic Story of the Sensational Incidents in the Joint Lives of the Now Famous Litigants, as Given in Their Own Words. The Two Stories Differ Widely as to the Material Facts in the Case, Testimony of the Kentucky School Girl Directly Contradicts the Story of the Silver-Tongued Orator and Statesman, Testimony of Prominent Witness From Various States Uncovering Startling Incidents in the Lives of Plaintiff and Defendant. The Surprising Disclosure and Dramatic Scenes that Filled the Court Room With a Throng of Excited Spectators Fully Described, the Most Sensational Testimony Ever Produced in Court. One of the Most Dramatic and Hotly Contested Legal Battles of Modern Times, An Array of Legal Talent Rarely Equaled in Court Annals in Point of Ability and Eloquence. Judge Bradley's Charge to the Jury. Speeches of Counsel and Decision of the Jury. To Which is Added a Complete Biography of Colonel Breckinridge and Miss Pollard, His College Days, War Record, Prominence in Congress. With Many Portraits and Illustrations. [N.p.]: [The American Printing and Binding Company, 1894]. Irregular pagination; pages appear to have been assembled to highlight salacious headlines and passages. 7 plates. Title page preceded by added pictorial title page (also the front cover for softbound copies). Octavo (8" x 5"). Original cloth, black-stamped title and decoration to front board. Moderate rubbing and dampspotting, spine ends and corners bumped. Light browning to text, preliminaries and a few other leaves detached and lightly edgeworn, three leaves lacking. An interesting piece of law book publishing and marketing history. $450. * This sample book was used to sell copies of a popular account of one of the most sensational trials of the day. Breckinridge was a notable Kentucky lawyer, statesman, editor and Civil War hero from a prominent political family. This suit, which coincided with his campaign for a sixth term in the U.S. Congress, was front-page news nationally for six weeks. Many were aroused to indignation. Suffragists opposed him with rallies and petiti.