Eugene Field 1888 ANS & Cabinet Card of Wife, Julia

A handwritten note from poet Eugene Field to friend and fellow journalist Willis Brooks Hawkins, dated May 14, 1888 and reading in full: "Dear Hawkins- You call for me about half past six this evening and we will first sup at your ex-pense and then take in the theaters at my expense." Accompanied by a 5" x 7" cabinet card of the poet's wife, Julia Comstock Field (1856-1936), captured by notable Chicago-based photographer Beatrice Tonnesen. Expected wear, including varying degrees of foxing, creasing, and uneven edge toning throughout. A very good pairing overall.

Dubbed the "Poet of Childhood", Eugene Field (1850-1895) was an American writer best known for his popular works of children's poetry. Often humorous and whimsical in nature, some of Field's notable poems include Wynken, Blynken, and Nod (1889), a lullaby about three children fishing in a boat among the stars, and The Duel (ca. 1893), a limerick describing a fight between a dog and cat. In his early career, Field wrote and edited for several newspapers in the state of Missouri until moving to Chicago in 1883. He would first begin publishing poetry in 1879, quickly gaining popularity for his light-hearted verses. His father, Roswell Martin Field (1807-1869), was also made notable for his representation of Dred Scott in the infamous Supreme Court case bearing his name, in which the enslaved Scott sued for the freedom of himself and his family.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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