Lot 458
Emma Kaleleonalani. Funeral Obsequies of the Late Queen Dowager Emma Kaleleonalani, Relict of the Late Kamehameha IV. Lying in State, Memorial Discour, Memorial Discourses, Incidents, the Will, &c., &c. Honolulu: J.M. Oats Jr., 1885; 43 pp. 8vo., Rebound with marbled card cover retaining original front cover and enclosed within hardbound solander, few tone spots but overall fresh, Very Fine and excellent condition.Estimate $1,000 - 1,500.
First edition. Compiled from articles originally published in the Hawaiian Gazette of April 29th, May 6th, 13th and 20th. The editor of that paper, Alatau T. Atkinson, states (p 2): "In response to many requests, the following articles and notices are reprinted from the Gazette. Queen Emma died on Saturday, April 25th, and was buried on Sunday, May 17th. The funeral was to have taken place on May 10th, but had to be postponed in consequence of a very heavy rainstorm. In the following pages will be found a succinct account of the Queen's life and of the events which followed her death. Very great care was taken that all the information should be correct and substantial by those were acquainted with facts, as well as by careful search of printed and written documents." Also of note is an advertisement inside the front wrap for J.J. Williams's Hawaiian Photograph Studio. Along with "photographs of the volcano and other points of interest on the various Islands," Mr. Williams was also offering "exact duplications of the great funeral pageant in honor of Queen Dowager Emma," with further details of the images listed. Forbes 3689.
An example of this rare book brought $3,660 in a 2009 Bonham's auction.
Realized: $2,600