The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, with an Account of His Writings. Edited by Washington Irving.

Oliver Goldsmith

The Miscellaneous Works of Oliver Goldsmith, with an Account of His Writings. Edited by Washington Irving.

Philadelphia:

J. Crissy and Thomas Cowperthwait

1838

Abraham Lincoln received this collection of Irish author Oliver Goldsmith’s works from his brother-in-law Ninian W. Edwards shortly after it was published. In 1861, Lincoln gave the book to his law partner (and later biographer) William Henry Herndon, who in turn gifted the book to the women’s rights activist Caroline Healey Dall in 1869. Dall noticed—and noted—that Lincoln had pinned pages 305-308: a section with a poignant—and seemingly influential—reflection on slavery.

Abraham Lincoln. Term: 1861-1865, Republican Party

From the Collection of Susan Jaffe Tane