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LINCOLN, MARY TODD. Signed Book, The Works of William Shakespeare, edited by Charles and Mary Cowden Clarke (London: 1869), four volumes, inscribed in volume I. 5¼ x 8½”. Inventory #21928 $sold A New Year’s gift of Lincoln’s favorite author from his grieving widow. The recipient, Presbyterian minister David Swing of Chicago, was a longtime friend of the Lincolns. Inscription: “Presented to Professor Swing with the kindest regards & best wishes of his sincere friend, Mrs. A Lincoln, Chicago, Ill. January 1st 1874”. Historical Background:
The Swing family gave great comfort to the widowed Mary Lincoln, particularly after the death of her son Tad in 1871. Three months after receiving this gift, Swing was tried by the Presbytery of Chicago for heresy because of his liberal views. He was acquitted, but left to establish the Central Church, which became the largest in Chicago. Mrs. Lincoln was pleased when Swing characterized William Herndon and Ward Lamon – her husband's old friends, law partners and biographers, whom she detested – as "small barking dogs." Of Lincoln himself, Swing declared that "in him, justice and sympathy passed from the little to the infinite..." Condition: Spine much chipped, covers somewhat worn, corners bumped, else good; internally near fine, the text block slightly age-toned at margins.
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