John S. Wright: Prophet of the Prairies

Chicago: The Prairie Farmer Publishing Company, 1941. Hardcover. Small 4to. Blue cloth with gilt lettering, pictorial dust jacket. viii, 215pp. Illustrations, map front endpaper. Near fine/very good. Jacket mildly edgeworn, with spine somewhat age toned. A tight and superb first edition of this biography of the noted Chicago business and civic leader (1815-74) -- and a choice presentation copy, bearing a bold presentation inscription and signature from Lewis (1891-1949), renowned Chicago journalist, editor and historian, in black ink on half-title page: "For Ellen and Adlai / from their prairie / neighbor and friend. / Lloyd / April 11, 1942." Lewis (1891-4949) was a remarkable Chicago journalist who authored a number of books about Chicago, Lincoln and the Civil War. He was long-time close friend of Stevenson, as well as Carl Sandburg, Sinclair Lewis, Sherwood Anderson and Frank Lloyd Wright. Stevenson (1900-65) was the Illinois governor, two-time Democratic presidential candidate and U.N. ambassador; his wife was famed socialite Ellen Borden (1907-72), daughter of John Borden (1884-1961, wealthy Chicago businessman, explorer, yachtsman and polo player); their controversial divorce in 1949 while he held office raised eyebrows and some believe harmed his presidential electability. Seldom found in this lovely jacket -- and inscribed copies are even scarcer.