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Uncle Tom's Cabin: the serialization before it became a book...
Uncle Tom's Cabin: the serialization before it became a book...
Item # 695891
August 14, 1851
THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 1851 The front page of this anti-slavery newspaper is very significant, as it contains chapter 11 of: "Uncle Tom's Cabin: Or, Life Among the Lowly. by Mrs. H. B. Stowe" taking nearly 4 columns.
This newspaper is forever linked to the best-selling novel of the 19th century, "Uncle Tom's Cabin". This historic work first appeared as a 41-week serial in The National Era, starting on June 5. It was originally intended as a shorter narrative that would run for only a few weeks. Stowe expanded the story significantly, however, and it was instantly popular, such that protests were sent to the Era office when she missed an issue (three issues were published without a chapter). The final installment was released in the April 1, 1852, issue of the Era.
While the story was still being serialized, publisher John P. Jewett contracted with Stowe to turn Uncle Tom's Cabin into a book. Convinced the book would be popular, Jewett made the unusual decision (for the time) to have six full-page illustrations engraved for the first printing. Published in book form on March 20, 1852, the novel sold 3,000 copies on that day alone, and over 300,000 within the first year.
The complete serialization appeared almost entirely in the National Era before the book was published, with an overlap of just ten days. Subscriptions to the Era increased by nearly 5,000 during the serialization.
Being an anti-slavery newspaper it is not surprising to find related articles within, a few of which are shown in the photos.
Four pages, never-bound nor trimmed condition, just as sold on the streets. Some foxing and some wear at the margins and folds with a tiny hole at the fold juncture affecting 1 word in the mentioned article, subscriber's name penned at the top, good condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.
Being an anti-slavery newspaper it is not surprising to find related articles within, a few of which are shown in the photos.
Four pages, never-bound nor trimmed condition, just as sold on the streets. Some foxing and some wear at the margins and folds with a tiny hole at the fold juncture affecting 1 word in the mentioned article, subscriber's name penned at the top, good condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.
Category: Pre-Civil War
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