Lot 77

Lot 77

Two striking portraits of Edward Everett Hale who was an author, historian and a Unitarian minister. He was best known for his writings such as “The Man Without a Country”, published in Atlantic Monthly. He was grand-nephew of the Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale. Hale was a child prodigy and was first known for his writing in 1859. “By the turn of the century, Hale was recognized as among the nation’s most important men of letters.” After retiring from his church in 1899 he became Chaplain of the United States Senate and joined the Literary Society of Washington. 
The first image is an occupational cabinet card of Hale in deep thought with pen to paper. The photographer has captured a truly stunning image. The second smaller format photograph shows a casual yet strong portrait of Edward posed in his wicker chair hat in hand. A blanket and pillow are seen on the right and there is possibly a hint of another person on the blanket on the left. The scene location is identified on the back as Conway, NH. Both images are in excellent minus condition with great tones and contrast. The cabinet card is by Rockwood, 1440 Broadway, NY. It is dated 1895 the year Hale was awarded an American Library Association Honorary Membership.