An Old Sweetheart of Mine by James Whitcomb Riley (Illustrated Edition), 1902 📜💘✨

1. Introduction 📜🔍🏛️

Experience a timeless poem in a beautifully illustrated vintage edition: "An Old Sweetheart of Mine," by James Whitcomb Riley.

This edition, published by Grosset & Dunlap with a copyright of 1902, is a great collectible for any enthusiast of American poetry and illustration. The book features the renowned drawings of Howard Chandler Christy, making it a work of art in itself.

2. About the Book 📖✍️✨

"An Old Sweetheart of Mine" is a classic poem that speaks to the sentimental theme of a man looking back on his childhood sweetheart. Riley's lyrical verse evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing, as he reminisces about a love from his past.

The poem is known for its heartfelt emotion and its ability to transport readers to a simpler time, celebrating a love that has endured in the narrator's memory.

3. About the Author and Illustrator ✍️🏛️

James Whitcomb Riley (1849–1916) was a beloved American poet known as the "Hoosier Poet". His works, celebrated for their accessible language and nostalgic themes, made him one of the most popular poets of his time.

This edition is elevated by the drawings of Howard Chandler Christy (1872–1952), a famous American illustrator and painter who was a key figure in the "Golden Age of Illustration". His detailed and romantic drawings perfectly complement Riley's poetry.

4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜

This book, published in 1902, is a product of the early 20th century when publishers often created beautifully illustrated editions of popular literary works. The collaboration between a celebrated poet and a famous illustrator was a common practice that elevated books to the status of art objects. The book’s design and its inclusion of Christy's drawings make it a fascinating artifact of American publishing history.

5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️

This book is for an enthusiast of American poetry and illustration, a curator of turn-of-the-century art, or a collector who appreciates books for their aesthetic qualities.

It is an ideal acquisition for an individual who values a book as a piece of art in its own right. The book appeals to a collector who is interested in the intersection of American verse and the Golden Age of Illustration.

6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️

This book is a unique rare book with exceptional value due to its artistic qualities. The drawings by Howard Chandler Christy are a key selling point, as his work is highly collectible.

The decorations by Virginia Keep also add to its aesthetic appeal. While a later edition, its age and the fact that it is a beautifully designed illustrated volume of a classic American poem make it a highly desirable item for collectors of American illustration and vintage books. This book is 123 years old as of 2025.

7. Condition 🔎📚✨

• The book is in fair vintage condition.

• There is no dust jacket.

• The hardcover shows significant patina spotting and discoloration on both the front and back covers.

• The spine is faded and shows wear at the top and bottom.

• The pages are discolored and show some staining consistent with age.

• The binding is still solid.

• This item came from a local estate sale and was in the previous owner's home office for many years.

8. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩

• Howard Chandler Christy's most famous work is the painting "Signing of the Constitution," which hangs in the U.S. Capitol Building.

• Christy was known for his "Christy Girl" illustrations, which became a popular symbol of the idealized American woman in the early 20th century.

• The original version of "An Old Sweetheart of Mine" was first published in 1883.

• The poem was famously set to music and became a popular song in the early 1900s.

9. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰

• Author: James Whitcomb Riley

• Publication Date: 1902

• Edition: Illustrated Edition

• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap

• Place of Publication: New York

• Illustrator: Howard Chandler Christy

• Unique Provenance: None.

• Book Cover Type: Hardcover with drawings and decorations.

• Genre: Poetry, American Literature, Vintage Book.