The Complete Works of Abraham Lincoln, in Twelve Volumes (Sponsors Edition)

[Harrogate, Tennessee]: Lincoln Memorial University, 1894. Limited Edition. Half-Leather. Near Fine/No Jacket. 0x0x0. Limited edition, #399 of an unspecified limitation, this set 'especially prepared for Harry J. Williams.' Signed by John Wesley Hill opposite limitation page. Copyright page states 1894, but this is clearly reproduced from the plates of the original - this set is circa 1905. Volume 1 has very minor discoloration to edges of cloth on rear board, minor wear to corners, spine a bit faded. Complete in twelve hardcover volumes. Red half-leather, gilt titles and decorations, top edges gilt, decorative endpapers. A complete collection of Abraham Lincoln's works, including speeches, letters, biographical writings, etc., with an introduction by John Wesley Hill and special articles by various other contributors. The editors were Lincoln's private secretary and assistant secretary, and also served in various other governmental roles, Hay going on to become Secretary of State under McKinley and Roosevelt. Nicolay and Hay are perhaps best known for their ten-volume biographical history of Lincoln's administration, originally published serially in The Century Magazine beginning in 1886 -- it remains one of the more exhaustive and personal accounts of the life of the 16th President of the United States, and is notable for the inclusion of facsimiles of original drafts of important documents, most importantly the Emancipation Proclamation. This set includes facsimiles of original correspondence and documents, reproductions of contemporary photographs and engravings, etc.