Educator and poet (1859–1929) best known for the lyrics to the iconic patriotic song “America the Beautiful”. Outstanding and complete handwritten version of the first four stanzas of “America the Beautiful” on two matching 5 x 6 off-white sheets, signed at the conclusion “Katharine Lee Bates.” Bates begins: “O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, Above the fruited plain! America! America! God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea!” Archivally double cloth matted and framed to an overall size of 18 x 15.5. In fine, clean, bright condition.
While working as a lecturer at Colorado College during the summer of 1893, Bates wrote the poem “America the Beautiful” after being inspired by a view of the countryside from atop Pike’s Peak. She rewrote the poem in 1904, and wrote her 3rd and final version in 1913. In the more than 100 years since the song was written, there have been various efforts to give “America the Beautiful” legitimate status either as a national hymn, or as a national anthem equal to, or in place of, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. A simply gorgeous presentation of one of the nation’s most familiar, and patriotic, tunes; this is the first such item we have seen, and it’s absolutely perfect for display. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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