Lot #702

[Ralph Waldo Emerson] Presentation Copy of Representative Men to Earl and Ava Lovelace, the Earliest Computer Programmer

Description

Emerson directs his 'Representative Men' to the Earl of Lovelace—husband of Ada Lovelace, the 'the first computer programmer'

Significant presentation book: Representative Men: Seven Lectures by Ralph Waldo Emerson. First UK edition. London: John Chapman, 1850. Hardcover bound in the original plum cloth, 5 x 8, 215 pages (plus 24 pp. of publisher's advertisements in the rear). Inscribed on the first free end page in ink in an unknown hand, presumed to be that of Emerson's publisher, "Right Honble. Earl of Lovelace, With the Author's Compliments." Housed in a handsome custom-made clamshell case. Book condition: VG/None, with sunning to spine and edges of boards.

Emerson's journal confirms he personally requested this copy to be given to Lovelace: in his entry for 17 November 1849, Emerson wrote, "I sent Chapman orders to send copies of Representative Men to…Earl of Lovelace."

Lovelace and Emerson met frequently in London, especially at his publisher Chapman's house, where the author boarded. Lord William Lovelace was married to Ada Byron, Countess of Lovelace, the daughter of famed poet Alfred Lord Byron. She was a prominent mathematician known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical computer the Analytical Engine. Lovelace was present at a number of the 'Representative Men' lectures that Emerson delivered in England in 1848. This volume comprises Emerson's essays on Plato, Swedenborg, Montaigne, Shakespeare, Napoleon and Goethe.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring World War II and Military
• Dates: #719 - Ended 06/11/2025