Presidential Biography — Abe Lincoln and Nancy Hanks (c.1920 Roycrofters; 1910 copyright) — Elbert Hubbard | Art Nouveau Gilt, Americana

Pocket-sized Roycroft charm with big ideas. Abe Lincoln and Nancy Hanks by Elbert Hubbard is a concise, eloquent Americana/Presidential biography first copyrighted in 1910 and issued here by The Roycrofters (East Aurora, NY) with their hallmark typography and deckled paper.

This small-format hardcover features a striking Art Nouveau gilt-stamped cover and rough-cut edges. Photo-verified details include the Roycroft imprint and an early owner inscription dated Aug. 9, 1920.

Quick Specs

• Item Type: Vintage hardcover book
• Size: 6.5 × 5 × 0.25 inches
• Material: Cloth boards; laid/rough-cut paper
• Color: Brown cloth with bright gilt; cream pages
• Origin or Maker: The Roycrofters, East Aurora, Erie County, New York
• Year or Era: 1910 copyright; later Roycrofters printing circa 1920
• GENRE: Americana / Presidential Biography
• Language / Pages: English / 63 pages
• Identifiers: Copyright 1910 by The Roycrofters (title/copyright page visible); ISBN/LCCN Not provided

Edition & Features 

• Edition/Printing: Later Roycrofters printing (not first)
• Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Typographic ornaments; deckled/rough-cut edges
• Extras: Owner inscription dated Aug. 9, 1920 on front blank; pencil notation to endpaper (both shown)

Condition Grade: Good

Notes: Gilt titles strong. Cloth shows rubbing, soft corner bumps, and light fray at spine tips; faint shelf soil. Mild age toning to pages; small hinge wear at front (gutter rough but binding remains secure). No noted markings in text.

• See all photos for detail—sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key
Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.

Provenance & Notes

Early owner inscription dated Aug. 9, 1920; otherwise 

About the Author Elbert Hubbard

Elbert Hubbard (1856–1915), founder of the Roycroft community, championed the American Arts & Crafts movement and wrote the enduring essay “A Message to Garcia.”

Small book, big American story—perfect for Roycroft collectors and Lincoln admirers.

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Disclaimer  

The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.

While I do my best to capture colors accurately, your monitor or device screen may display colors slightly differently from the actual item. 

Care & Handling: Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.

Please note: If you have any questions or need more photos, ask.

About Reading Vintage

At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for book lovers, decorators, and collectors—including vintage books, retro bookends, and charming collectible pieces.