Signed book: The Playmate by Joseph Cundall. Boston: Wm. Crosby & H. P. Nichols, circa 1847. Hardcover, 6.25 x 8.25, 411 pages. Signed and inscribed on the first free end page to his son as a Christmas gift, “Benjamin Pierce, from his affectionate Father, Dec’r 25, 1851.” Autographic condition: very good to fine, with light toning and foxing to the signed page, and a light bend passing through part of the handwriting. Book condition: VG/None. Accompanied by a custom-made slipcase.
Two months before entering the White House in 1853, Franklin and Jane Pierce experienced the ultimate tragedy when their last child, Benjamin, was killed in a gruesome train accident on January 6th—just a year and twelve days after the date of this book’s inscription. Having already lost their other two children, this final blow seriously affected both of them for the rest of their lives, and Pierce remained stricken with grief throughout his presidency. Inscribed to the then 10–year–old Benjamin Pierce, this is a remarkable piece of presidential family history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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