Charles Lamb: English Essayist and Author Transcribes Poem by Jonathan Swift Composed in 1727 "Going To Be Hanged" (Clever Tom Clinch) (1775-1834) Lamb best known for his Essays of Elia (Elia being Lamb's pen name for London Magazine) and of course his children's book, "Tales from Shakespeare". What is being offered here is most unusual. This is a transcription of Jonathan Swift's "Going To Be Hanged" and is completely in Lamb's hand. The poem is a satirical ballad written around 1727, detailing the procession of a man being led to execution at Tyburn, a notorious hanging site in London. It is noted for its dark humor and vivid, unsparing depiction of the execution spectacle. 'Tom Clinch' was a highwayman named Tom Cox, the younger son of a gentleman, who was hanged at Tyburn in 1691. There is also a transcription on the verso entitled The Power of Time. It comes with likely one of the oldest Letter of Authenticity or Provenance by a Robert Balmanno who "to make up for a leaf which had been torn and before it came to Eia's possession." All three pieces are fragile but very legible and arguably curious. Please do not hesitate to ask for individual close-ups.
Estimated Value $300 - 500
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