Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - July - 2009 Issue
Early Americana from David M. Lesser Antiquarian Books
David Lesser's latest collection of rare Americana.
Being the last person to die from some cause, such as a war, is a terrible personal tragedy. James Cashergo was such a man, except that he was the last man to die at the end of a rope from legendary "Hanging Judge" Isaac Parker. A total of 79 people ultimately succumbed to the Arkansas' judge's rope before he was nudged aside by a public squeamish with his hanging ways. Item 23 is a transcript of the appeal before the Supreme Court in George W. Wilson vs. the United States (George Wilson was an alias of Cashergo). However much the reservations about Parker by this time (1896), the Court still believed Cashergo was guilty, allowing him to be #79. $250.
Item 76 is a Speech of the Hon. Lewis C. Levin...on...Whether Any Alterations were Required in Our Present Naturalization Laws (1845). Levin was the first Jewish Congressman, elected from Philadelphia in 1844. If you are expecting some speech sympathetic to minority immigrants from this minority congressman, you will be sorely disappointed. Strangely, Levin was a virulent nativist and anti-Catholic. He was an early leader of the Native American Party, better known as the "Know Nothings." He was finally defeated in 1850. Reportedly, in 1856, the Know Nothings' heyday, Levin was sent to an insane asylum where he lived out his days. $250.
David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books may be reached at 203-389-8111 or dmlesser@lesserbooks.com. Their website is www.lesserbooks.com.
You will find many of David M. Lesser's books listed in "Books For Sale" on this site. Click here.
