PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED ALMANAC IN SUPPORT OF THE WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

The Harrison Almanac. New York: J.P. Giffing, [1840]. 12mo, 36 pages. Original illustrated wrappers. FIRST EDITION. Drake, Almanacs 7808; Eberstadt Cat. 111, 241; Sabin 30579. 

An uncommon almanac published in support of William Henry Harrison's presidential campaign. The almanac features an unusual number of illustrations, including the cover vignette showing Harrison toiling at the plow, gazing up at an angelic Lady Liberty clutching the American flag. Below him, the North and the South are represented by their industries with clasped hands below the legend "UNION." 

Interspersed among the typical weather prognostications, astronomical data, and agricultural advice is a lengthy illustrated biography of William Henry Harrison. Notably included is a full-page illustration of the Council of Vincennes, showing Harrison in military uniform confronting Shawnee leader Tecumseh. 

Also included is an account of an attempted assassination of Harrison perpetrated by a Black man, evidently hired by the Shawnee. In the narrative, accompanied by an illustration, the author claims that after the would-be assassin was captured and sentenced to death, Harrison commuted his sentence, declaring, "I could not withstand the appeal, and I determined to give him another chance for his life." 

References

Milton Drake. Almanacs of the United States. New York: Scarecrow Press, 1962. 

[Politics, William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren, Election of 1840, Tippecanoe, Tecumseh's War] [Almanacs, Books, Booklets, Agricultural History, Ephemera]

Toned, creases throughout.