Extra-Illustrated Editions: The Case of Irving’s Life of George Washington

In 1889, G. P. Putnam's Sons issued a "Special Extra-Illustrated Set" of their new limited edition of Washington Irving's Life of George Washington. Extending the work from five to ten volumes by the addition of approximately fifty original letters and other documents as well as 500 portraits and other illustrations, the sets were an elaborate example of grangerization or extra-illustration--all the more remarkable for appearing to have been sold as such rather than completed by an individual enthusiast. They are also remarkable for the significance of the additions, including original letters of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and many other well-known figures from the founding of the United States.

This presentation will survey and compare the recorded copies of this extra-illustrated set, combining the internal evidence of the volumes with contextual material to address (if not fully answer) some of the fundamental, unanswered questions about the production and distribution of this extra-illustrated edition and the sources of its additional materials.

Presenter: Will Hansen, Roger and Julie Baskes Vice President for Collections and Library Services, Newberry Library

Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the exhibition "Free and Independent: The Declaration of Independence and the Words that Made the United States," curated by Prof. Eric Slauter, Deputy Dean of the Arts and Humanities at the University of Chicago.

This event is open to all with registration and will be held in Rettinger Hall at Newberry Library

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