James Longstreet, Salesman’s Sample for From Manassas to Appomattox

Description

The salesman’s sample for From Manassas to Appomattox; the tool the salesmen would use to sell pre-orders of the set of James Longstreet’s memoir.  The work is considered a milestone in Confederate literature.  

Besides the frontispiece, title page, and contents, there are 32 alternating sample text and map/portrait pages.  In the rear are eight blank subscription sheets for names and addresses, with a purple blotter sheet bound between each sheet. 

The set was available in a variety of formats. This sample book does a wonderful job of featuring the options. The red cloth front cover features the same illustration as the trade edition of the book. The uniform on the sleeved arm features the embroidery denoting the rank of Lieutenant General.  It traces down to a hand holding a sword. The rear cover provides a sample of the book’s spine. 

The front inside cover has a sample brown leather, titled spine for the publisher’s presentation binding; while the inside rear board has an example tan buckram spine with red leather titled spine label. 

Some cover soiling, with a slight indentation line on the front board; else tight and very good. 

Rare: Only the second we’ve seen.

(Longstreet’s Memoir)  SALESMAN’S SAMPLE BOOK, for FROM MANASSAS TO APPOMATTOX.  Dallas:  The Dallas Publishing Company, 1896.