St. Mary's Sparkles
A quietly evocative early 20th-century tribute to Abraham Lincoln, The Perfect Tribute by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews captures a deeply human interpretation of one of the most iconic moments in American history.
The narrative centers on Lincoln’s internal struggle in the hours leading up to the delivery of the Gettysburg Address, offering a reflective and imaginative portrayal rather than a strict historical account. First published in 1906 and widely read in its time, this 1913 Charles Scribner’s Sons edition reflects an era when Lincoln’s legacy was still being actively shaped through literature and cultural memory.
Bound in understated cloth with a portrait vignette on the cover, the volume carries a restrained dignity typical of early Scribner publications. Inside, a period illustration and classic typography preserve the tactile charm of pre-war American bookmaking.
An intimate and atmospheric volume—equally suited to reading, collecting, or display.
Details
Title: The Perfect Tribute
Author: Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York
Date: 1913 edition (original work 1906)
Format: Hardcover, cloth-bound
Dimensions: 5" x 7 1/2" x 1/2"
Condition:
Good vintage condition with visible age-related wear. Interior pages show water staining along lower edges, as photographed. Binding remains intact and stable. Toning consistent with age. Structurally sound and fully readable.
Why We Love It
This is the kind of book that lives beyond its text. It reflects a moment when storytelling and national identity intertwined—when Lincoln’s legacy was not just remembered, but reimagined. The quiet scale and modest design make it especially compelling for collectors drawn to literary Americana and historical narrative.
Styling Notes
Perfect for stacking with other early 20th-century volumes or Civil War-era material. Style it on a desk, side table, or shelf alongside antique books, writing instruments, or framed ephemera to create a thoughtful, collected vignette with historical depth.
