This November 23, 1878 issue of Harper’s Weekly is a fascinating blend of New York political shifts, international grandeur, and a shocking true-crime report that captivated the nation. It features a heavy concentration of Thomas Nast satire and a deep dive into the exotic landscapes of Afghanistan and Australia.
Title: Nov 23 1878 Harper's Weekly, Thomas Nast "One and Inseparable," Grave of A.T. Stewart, Paris Exhibition, Kabul Palace
Main Issue Highlights 🎨 Thomas Nast’s "One and Inseparable": A powerful full-page political cartoon by Nast. His work during this period was crucial in shaping public opinion on the stability of the Union and the various political factions of the Gilded Age. 🗳️ The Millennium Postponed: The front page features a biting Nast cartoon titled "The Millennium Postponed: The Tiger and the Lamb—A Little Mixed," using his famous Tammany Tiger iconography to critique the recent election results. 🕵️ The Desecration of A.T. Stewart’s Grave: A half-page illustration of the "Scene of the Outrage" at St. Mark’s Church Yard. This documents one of the 19th century’s most infamous crimes: the body-snatching of multi-millionaire Alexander Turney Stewart for ransom. A vital piece for collectors of "true crime" and New York City history. 🏛️ The Paris Exhibition Centerfold: A magnificent double-page centerfold depicting Marshal MacMahon distributing Diplomas of Honor in the Palais de l'Industrie. This is a premier visual record of the 1878 World's Fair, showcasing the height of European Victorian architectural and diplomatic pomp. 📜 New York & State Politics: Features detailed portraits of the "Class of 1878" winners, including Edward Cooper (Mayor-elect of NYC), and the Governors-elect of Pennsylvania (Henry M. Hoyt) and Massachusetts (Thomas Talbot). 🎨 "Decorative Art in Blackville": A full-page illustration that, while utilizing the era's common racial tropes, provides a look at the "Blackville" series which is often collected for its place in the history of American social caricature. The Supplement: The Khyber Pass & Australia The included original supplement is a geographical treasure trove: ⚔️ The Anglo-Afghan War: Features the stunning "Interior of the Palace of Shah Sujah-ool-moolk, at Cabool (Kabul)" and a "Watch Tower in the Khyber Pass." These are essential primary sources for military history enthusiasts. 🇦🇺 Sketches in Queensland: Five distinct illustrations showing life in the Australian frontier, including the "Fort of Mooltan." These are highly sought after by collectors of British Colonial and Australian history
🔍 Condition I have provided high-resolution photos of every page. This 147-year-old issue is complete in 16 pages plus the illustrated supplement. The engravings remain dark and crisp with excellent detail, particularly the Paris Exhibition centerfold. The paper shows authentic, light age-toning consistent with its 1878 origin.
📦 Shipping & 🖼️ Archival Framing Professional Shipping: Your history will arrive flat, secure, and tracked. These delicate documents are protected by heavy-duty archival boards to prevent any rolling or folding during transit. 🚫🗞️ Archival Framing Available: The Paris Exhibition centerfold and the Nast "Millennium" cover are museum-quality candidates for display. I offer Custom Archival Framing upon request, using UV-protected glass and acid-free matting. 🏛️
💎 Why It’s Collectible True Crime History: Contemporary prints of the A.T. Stewart grave robbery site are rare and highly collectible. Kabul & Khyber Pass: These views are cornerstone documents for the Second Anglo-Afghan War. World's Fair Memorabilia: The Paris Exhibition centerfold is a top-tier item for collectors of international expositions.
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