Antique 1853 Uncle Tom's Cabin Printed and 17 similar items

From a Rancho Palos Verdes, California book collector's estate. Previously sold by Swann's Galleries of New York City on Feb. 10, 2010 as Lot 89. The price realized in 2010 was $2,280. From Swann's catalog entry: "A RARE SURVIVAL (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) STOWE, HARRIET BEECHER. Little Eva Song. Uncle Tom's Guardian Angel. Linen handkerchief, 10x12 inches. Surrounding an image of "Little Eva and Uncle Tom in the Arbor" is an elaborately engraved border with facts and figures regarding the sales of Mrs Stowe's novel. The linen lightly and evenly toned with one tiny stain and a tiny hole in the middle of the music, barely obscuring one note. It appears that when this handkerchief was made, the top "hem" was sewn in such a manner as to obscure part of the top border. Boston: Jewettt, 1852E Exceedingly rare commemorative handkerchief issued by John P. Jewett, the publisher of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Probably a giveaway at booksellers, this piece was definitely a promotional item. The facts and figures in the border announce that over 115,000 copies of the novel, or 230,000 volumes had been sold in six months. This is the first time we have seen this piece. We could find no reference to another example." In addition to being an exceeding rare historical artifact relating to the abolition movement, the kerchief is also notable as an important artifact in the history of merch. Harriet's Beecher Stowe's novel was widely popular when published, creating a 19th century blockbuster effect. The book was the bestselling book of the 19th century after the Bible, and it resonated with readers' emotions. One result of this was that the book persuaded more members of the public to oppose slavery. Another result was that the book launched spin-off mass-produced handkerchief products. One version of the kerchief includes scenes from Uncle Tom?s Cabin and was known in its day as a ?Tomitude.? The present one included imagery from the book and sheet music. The idea of capitalizing on readers' feeling to create merchandise related to the book spawned a massive memorabilia industry that we see in connection with many types of entertainment today.