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[First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]
[First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]
[First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]
[First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]

[First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]


Poetical 1908 keepsake commemorating the 50th anniversary of the laying of the first transatlantic telegraph cable in 1858. First composed in 1858, this biblically-themed poem references the books of Deuteronomy and Job. The poem echoes the tone of first communication sent via the underwater cable by Britain’s Queen Victoria to U.S. President James Buchanan: “What hath God wrought?”

The poem’s author and New York architect Alfred J. Bloor, lauds the cable’s marvelous ability to bridge “...the old world to the new…”

A 1-page note prefacing the poem recounts the early history of the transatlantic cable and praises its chief American backer, businessman and financier Cyrus W. Field (1819–1892) of New York. Bloor reminiscences upon the news of the cable’s success: “Outside there was much rejoicing and celebrating in the way of processions, bell-ringing, steamers whistling, fire-works, bonfires, and illuminations…”

The “Note” suggests that while the 4½-page poem was composed in 1858 it was not actually put into print until the publication of this keepsake in 1908. Apparently unrecorded. A cursory search by us does not locate the poem or any references to it. First separate or only printing?


Description: [First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable] The Ocean Cable. [caption title]

[America. np, 1908]. [6]pp. 8½ x 5¾ inches. Bifolium with tipped-in leaf. Folds; light foxing; very good.

[3728993]

Refs. Bloor, A. J. (Alfred J.), 1828-1917. - Social Networks and Archival Context accessed online. Brown, ed., Valentine’s Manual of the City of New York 1917-1918 (New York, 1917), p324.


Price: $350.00