[TAYLOR, ZACHARY]. A group of three campaign biographies about Taylor. All are first editions.

[1] A Review of the Life, Character and Political Opinions of Zachary Taylor. Boston: Eastburn’s Press, 1848. [1-3] 4-16 pp. 8vo (22.5 x 14 cm). First and last leaves detached, moderately stained and foxed.

Eberstadt 868. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 244.

With woodcut portrait of Taylor beside his horse. A strongly pro-Taylor biography leading up to his nomination for president, including a discussion of his activities in Texas and the impact of slavery on the acquisition of Texas.

[2] A Brief Review of the Career, Character and Campaigns of Zachary Taylor. Washington, D.C.: Printed and Sold by J. & G.S. Gideon, [1848]. [1-3] 4-16 pp. 8vo (23 x 15 cm). Lightly water-stained, else fine. With pencil signature of G.B. Barker on title page.

First separate edition (republished from North American and United States Gazette, Philadelphia). Garrett & Goodwin, p. 194.

With woodcut equestrian portrait of Taylor. Campaign biography, covering the battles in northern Mexico and including a section on “The Popular Appreciation of His Character” (pp. 14-16).

[3] Please Circulate.... A Sketch of the Life and Public Services of General Zachary Taylor, the People’s Candidate for the Presidency [caption title]. Washington: Printed by J.T. Towers, [1848]. [1] 2-32 pp. 8vo (23 x 14.5 cm), unbound, unopened. Minor dust-soiling and foxing, but generally fine. With erased pencil signature of E.B. Barker on p. [1].

Eberstadt 870. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 252. Haferkorn, p. 67.

Dated Washington, July 4, 1848. According to the printer’s statement, available at $1.50 per 100 copies. “A very well written piece of campaign literature in which a careful and comprehensive account is given of Taylor’s career and especially his leadership in the Mexican War interlarded with numerous valuable quotations from documents in a manner unusual in this type of production” (Eberstadt).