Handwritten manuscript draft page contained within the first volume of the limited 1895 ‘author’s autograph edition’ of his works, unsigned, one page, 4.75 x 7.5, no date but written circa 1826–1828. A page from Irving’s draft for his popular 1828 work A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus. In part: “The horrors of famine began to threaten the terrified crew, when a fortunate idea presented itself to Columbus. From his knowledge of astronomy, he ascertained that within three days there would be a total eclipse of the moon…He summoned, therefore, the principal caciques to a grand conference, appointing for it the day of the eclipse. When all were assembled he told them by his interpreter that he and his followers were worshippers of a Deity who lived in the skies, and held them under his protection. That this great Deity was incensed against the Indians, who had refused or neglected to furnish his faithful worshippers with provisions, and intended to chastise them with famine and pestilence. Lest they should disbelieve this warning a signal would be given that very night in the heavens. They would behold the moon change its color and gradually lose its light; a token of the fearful punishment which awaited them.” The sheet is affixed to a slightly larger page and bound into a special edition of Tales of the Alhambra, the first volume of the forty-volume set Washington Irving’s Works (other volumes not present). Author’s autograph edition, limited issue, numbered 95/500. New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1895. Leatherbound hardcover, 5.5 x 8.25, 266 pages. Autographic condition: fine. Book condition: VG/None.
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