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WASHINGTON IRVING * Manuscript Autograph Draft For COLUMBUS Bio Book Not Signed
$1,500.00
Guaranteed Authentic
American short story writer, essayist and biographer, WASHINGTON IRVING handwritten original unsigned draft manuscript page from his fictional biographical account of "A History of The Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus". Most of the manuscript here appears on page 220 of the final published work. The page describes a portion of Columbus' third voyage in which he explores South America. An exceptional chance to own an original piece of published writing handwritten by Irving.
Published in 1828, Irving's extensive work on Christopher Columbus is one of the first examples of American historical fiction and one of several attempts at nationalistic myth-making undertaken by American writers and poets of the 19th century. Today, Irving is perhaps best known for his short story "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow", the tale of the headless Hessian soldier terrorizing the secluded glen known as Sleepy Hollow.
In the manuscript Irving writes of Columbus, "He was astounded at the vast body of fresh water continually pouring in to the Gulf of Paria so as apparently to sweeten the whole [?] sea, and at the constant current which set through it, which he supposed to be produced by some great river. He remarked with wondering also the difference between the climate, vegetation and people of these coasts, and those of the same parallel in Africa. There the heat was insupportable and the land parched and steril (sic), the inhabitants were black with crisped wool, ill-shaped, and of dull and brutal natures. Here on the contrary, although the sun was in Leo, he found the noontide heat moderate, the mornings and evenings fresh and cool, the country green and fruitful, covered with beautiful forests and watered by immeasurable streams and fountains the people fairer than even those in the lands he had discovered further north, with long hair, well proportioned and graceful forms, lively minds and courageous spirits. He searched also the..."
>>> UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC! This Irving manuscript page has been certified authentic and encapsulated by the industry experts at PSA/DNA. <<<
Condition is as shown, with toning, and stains consistent with age, use and handling. Previously mounted to card stock, as shown. Letter measures appx. 4.75" x 7.5" inside 6.5" x 10" encapsulate.
Own a remarkable, investment-quality piece of Literary history! The perfect gift for the book collector, Washington Irving fan, autograph enthusiast, or history buff.
Sold as is, as shown.