A bound volume of Harpers Weekly including issues starting with July 5th, 1890 to December 27th, 1890 featuring at least 20 beautifully illustrated covers and art from a multitude of artists, including Frederick Remington (1861-1909), Theodore Davis (1840-1894) and countless others. The issues cover stories of the day such as the Sherman Antitrust Act and events leading up to the Wounded Knee Massacre which occurred two days after the last issue of the year was published. Please note we have many more photos - especially of the covers included in this volume - which are available upon request.

Note: This lot will include the cover page for the March 27, 1886 edition of Harper's Weekly - not pictured in this lot.

Harpers Weekly, A Journal of Civilization, was a prominent American political magazine headquartered in New York City. Operating under the auspices of Harper & Brothers from 1857 until 1916, it presented a diverse array of content including both foreign and domestic news, fiction, essays, humor, and notable illustrations. The publishing company Harper & Brothers, founded by Fletcher Harper and his brothers James, John, and Wesley in 1825, had initially launched Harper's Magazine in 1850, inspired by the success of The Illustrated London News. Due to popular demand, a weekly edition, Harper's Weekly, emerged in 1857.

By July 5th, 1890 to December 27th, 1890, the magazine had firmly established itself as a leading publication with a circulation of 200,000 by 1860. Its illustrations, featuring renowned artists like Winslow Homer, Granville Perkins, Porte Crayon, and Livingston Hopkins, were a cornerstone of its content.

The magazine gained acclaim for its compelling political cartoons, especially those by Thomas Nast, who worked with Harper's Weekly for over two decades and is often hailed as the pioneer of American political cartooning. Nast's contributions included iconic images like the Republican Party's elephant symbol and his rendition of Santa Claus, which played a significant role in shaping Christmas customs.

During the mid-19th century, Harpers Weekly held the distinction of being the most widely read journal in the United States, particularly during the American Civil War era. The publication took a measured stance on slavery before the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, which earned it the nickname "Harper's Weakly" among critics.

Throughout its history, the magazine featured prominent artists and writers, including Charles Dickens and William Makepeace Thackeray, with notable illustrators like Winslow Homer and Thomas Nast providing compelling visual content. Alfred Waud and other artists also contributed crucial illustrations related to the American Civil War.

In the post-Civil War period, Harper's Weekly became a vocal supporter of the Republican Party, backing Ulysses S. Grant's presidential campaigns in 1868 and 1872. The magazine played a significant role in exposing and opposing the corruption of New York political figure William "Boss" Tweed through the powerful cartoons of Thomas Nast.

George William Curtis, a founding figure of the Republican Party, served as the magazine's political editor from 1863 until his passing in 1892. His editorials advocated for civil service reform, low tariffs, and adherence to the gold standard.

Harper's Weekly maintained its influence well into the 20th century, featuring articles by notable political figures like Theodore Roosevelt and supporting Woodrow Wilson's presidential candidacy. However, the magazine published its final issue on May 13, 1916, and was subsequently absorbed by The Independent, which later merged with The Outlook in 1928. In the mid-1970s, Harper's Magazine introduced a spinoff publication under the title Harper's Weekly.

Sold "as is" with all faults.

Front hard cover is detached but present. Back cover and spine are missing. The first few pages from the July 5th issue, including the cover, are missing. A 4 to 8 pages have some tears but are still present in whole. The last page from the December 27th issue is detached but present. Some foxing but otherwise, the pages in general are whole and in very good condition.

16 x 11.5 in

7.5 lb