LOWELL, James Russell (1819-1891). Ode recited at the Commemoration of the Living and Dead Soldiers of Harvard University, July 21, 1865. Cambridge: Privately printed, 1865.

One of only 50 of the privately printed, limited edition of Lowell's famous Commemoration Ode. This is the Holden-Jones-Kirkland-Stockhausen copy, signed and inscribed by Lowell for an unknown recipient. Lowell recited this poem at Harvard, his alma-mater, on 21 July 1865. Many of his classmates served in the Civil War and many died. However, it was not until the Ode appeared in print in the September issue of Atlantic Monthly that it became famous. This copy is no. 33 of 50 copies printed and is inscribed on the front free endpaper: "To [erased] with the cordial regards of J.R. Lowell, / 3rd Septr 1865." BAL cites five other copies inscribed on the same day. BAL 13120.

Quarto (245 x 172mm). Title printed in red and black. Original boards, paper printed label, light green endpapers (front free endpaper with abrasion and small hole where the presentation recipient's name was removed). Modern slipcase. Provenance: Edwin B. Holden, 1861-1906, collector (E.D. French bookplate) – Herschel V. Jones, 1861-1928, journalist and collector (bookplate) – Frederic R. Kirkland, 1887-1961 (bookplate; his sale, Parke-Bernet, 13-14 March 1962, lot 295) – William E. Stockhausen (his sale, Sotheby Parke Bernet, 19-20 November 1974, lot 325).