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Lot #6099
Joel Chandler Harris Handwritten Manuscript for 'Br'er Wolf Falls a Victim'

Original handwritten manuscript for an "Uncle Remus" story by Joel Chandler Harris, penned in his distinct vernacular dialect style

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Estimate: $6000+
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Description

Original handwritten manuscript for an "Uncle Remus" story by Joel Chandler Harris, penned in his distinct vernacular dialect style

American author (1848-1908) best known for his 'Uncle Remus' stories. Unsigned handwritten manuscript by Joel Chandler Harris for his classic tale "Brother Wolf Falls a Victim," seven pages, 8 x 12.5, published as 'Chapter XXXVI' in his 1883 collection 'Nights with Uncle Remus: Myths and Legends of the Old Plantation.' Written in the vernacular dialect for which Harris is most famous, the story begins: "'Uncle Remus,' said the little boy, one night, when he found the old man sitting alone in his cabin, 'did you ever see Mammy-Bammy Big-Money?'

Uncle Remus placed his elbows on his knees, rested his chin in the palms of his hands, and gazed steadily in the fire. Presently he said: 'W'en folks 'gin ter git ole en no 'count, hit look lak der 'membunce git slack. Some time hit seem lak I done seed sump'n' n'er mighty nigh de make en color er ole Mammy-Bammy Big-Money, en den ag'in seem lak I aint. W'en dat de case, w'at does I do? Does I stan' tiptoe en tetch de rafters en make lak I done seed dat ole Witch-Rabbit, w'en, goodness knows, I aint seed 'er? Dat I don't. No, bless you! I'd say de same in comp'ny, much less settin' in yer 'long side er you. De long en de short un it,' exclaimed Uncle Remus, with emphasis, 'is des dis. Ef I bin run 'crost ole Mammy-Bammy Big-Money in my day en time, den she tuck'n make 'er disappearance dat quick twel I aint kotch a glimp' un 'er.'

The result of this good-humored explanation was that the child didn't know whether Uncle Remus had seen the Witch-Rabbit or not, but his sympathies led him to suspect that the old man was thoroughly familiar with all her movements." In fine condition, with some light wear, and minor chipping, to the edges.

Joel Chandler Harris's 'Uncle Remus' stories, written in the late 19th century, are a collection of folktales featuring animal characters like Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, and Br'er Bear. Set in the American South, Harris masterfully captured the dialect and oral traditions of African American culture, though his portrayal has been debated for its authenticity and implications. Despite controversy, the stories remain beloved for their timeless themes of wit, trickery, and the power of storytelling.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Art, Literature, and Classical Music
  • Dates: #682 - Ended June 20, 2024





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