Visually reporting the Civil War, as it unfolded, to the public.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004

Not quite comparable to motion pictures or the TV news but the latest thing in its day: the "MAGIC LANTERN" slideshow ! Circa late 1861 / early 1862 advertising broadside offering then up-to-date photographic slides for either home viewing or public lecture and demonstration. 7 x 17 (blank reverse); bold heading and multi-style typefaces "AMERICAN CIVIL WAR…THE IMPORTANT EVENTS SUCH AS BATTLES, SKIRMISHES, ENCAMPMENTS, [etc.] FROM THE BEGINNING UP TO THE PRESENT TIME, ILLUSTRATED BY A SERIES OF FINELY COLORED PICTURES ON GLASS FOR THE MAGIC LANTERN, DISSOLVING VIEWS OR SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS…3 INCHES CLEAR IN DIAMETER AND SET IN WOOD COMPLETE." Continues with itemized, numbered listing of 86 different views then offered; includes portraits of early heroes (including Col. Ellsworth) and five different views of the "Death of Lieut. Greble" the first Union officer actually killed at battle of Great Bethel June 10, 1861; important other Union and Confederate personalities, battles and even some "comic allegories" and political cartoons, patriotic views and more…all related to those very first months and earliest years of the war, clearly indicating this was issued while the war was still ensuing. In weakened condition with some tears on the numerous folds and some small pieces out mostly along edges affecting but a few words. Appears to be complete in itself with its wide margins (it had once been framed giving the outer edges of margins slightly different coloration and aging. Very wide blank bottom margin. A fascinating sidelight to the public dissemination of news and views during those war years and that once-popular form of common entertainment.

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