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Early Draft Autograph Manuscript of “Excelsior,” incorporated into an Autograph Letter Signed to Samuel Cutler Ward (“My dear Excelsior”) by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth - 1841

by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

Early Draft Autograph Manuscript of �Excelsior,� incorporated into an Autograph Letter Signed to Samuel Cutler Ward (�My dear Excelsior�) by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth - 1841

Early Draft Autograph Manuscript of “Excelsior,” incorporated into an Autograph Letter Signed to Samuel Cutler Ward (“My dear Excelsior”)

by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

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  • Signed
In this outstanding literary letter, Longfellow writes in full and sends an early draft of his beloved poem "Excelsior," commenting on its meaning and significance and writing out all thirty-six lines. The poet states that the work is among the best he has written, describes the circumstances of its writing, and points out its central theme. He observes that only one person has seen it and that Ward should "keep it quietly to yourself." Longfellow writes in part, "I am glad you liked Endymion, for sympathy is sweet. But today I send you something much better; indeed one of the best things, if not the best, that I have written. The other night, about one o'clock, as I was smoking a cigar preparatory to going to bed, it came into my mind; but as it was late, I thought I would not write it out till the morning. Accordingly, I went to bed; but I could not sleep. That voice kept ringing in my ears; and finally, I jumped out of bed, lighted my lamp, and set to work. The result was this poem, and a dreadful cold and rheumatism, which have confined me to my chamber for two days. The idea of the poem is the Life of Genius; This you will comprehend at a glance. Many people will not comprehend it at all. I send it to you because I know you will like it. No one has seen it but [Cornelius Conway] Felton; who found less than usual to criticize. Don't give it to anyone; but keep it quietly to yourself. . . ." Longfellow met Samuel Ward, the recipient of this letter, in Europe in 1836, and the two became lifelong friends. "Ward was easily the wildest friend Longfellow ever had, and Longfellow's letters to him are among his most exuberant" (Longfellow Companion). Beginning in 1838 Ward served as Longfellow's literary agent, selling his poems to New York periodicals. This early draft of the poem, written two days after the first draft (now at Harvard), differs in a number of points from the final version, including the lack of the exclamation point after the word "Excelsior" ending each stanza. The much-anthologized "Excelsior" has long been among the poet's best-known works. Eight stanzas appear on the facing pages 2-3, making this exceptional manuscript ideally suited for display. 4to. 3 1/2 pages. Silked, seal tear at outer edge of address leaf expertly repaired with paper. Very good.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; Anthony Thwaite

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  • good
  • Paperback
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Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780460878210
ISBN 10
0460878212
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Seattle, Washington, United States
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Tuttle Publishing, 1997. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Children's Hour
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The Children's Hour

by Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth

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Used - Good
ISBN 13
9781567923445
ISBN 10
1567923445
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David R. Godine, Publisher. Used - Good. A sound copy with only light wear. Overall a solid copy at a great price!
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£0.80
Evangeline and Other Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
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Evangeline and Other Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780486282558
ISBN 10
0486282554
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1
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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
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Dover Publications. Used - Good. . . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780486272733
ISBN 10
0486272737
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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
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The Song of Hiawatha
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The Song of Hiawatha

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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  • Hardcover
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Used - POOR
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Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781593540029
ISBN 10
1593540027
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Hand Print. Hardcover. POOR. Noticeably used book. Heavy wear to cover. Pages contain marginal notes, underlining, and or highlighting. Possible ex library copy, with all the markings/stickers of that library. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, and dust jackets may not be included.
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780486272733
ISBN 10
0486272737
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1
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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
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The Song of Hiawatha
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The Song of Hiawatha

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - GOOD
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9781593540029
ISBN 10
1593540027
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Hand Print. Hardcover. GOOD. Spine creases, wear to binding and pages from reading. May contain limited notes, underlining or highlighting that does affect the text. Possible ex library copy, will have the markings and stickers associated from the library. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included.
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£0.80
Evangeline and Other Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
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Evangeline and Other Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780486282558
ISBN 10
0486282554
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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
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Dover Publications. Used - Very Good. . . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
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£0.80
Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780486272733
ISBN 10
0486272737
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1
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Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
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£0.80

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Dover Publications. Used - Good. . . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Tha9780060245863 business.
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Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Favorite Poems (Dover Thrift Editions)

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780486272733
ISBN 10
0486272737
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Waltham, Massachusetts, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
£0.80

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Description:
Dover Publications. Used - Good. . . All orders guaranteed and ship within 24 hours. Your purchase supports More Than Words, a nonprofit job training program for youth, empowering youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.
Item Price
£0.80