Harris Broadsides

Broadsides are single-sheet publications, often issued as ephemera or announcements. The Harris Broadsides Collection is a comprehensive collection of American poetry published in broadside format from colonial times to the present. The collection offers materials covering a broad spectrum of American life, and includes poetry of every description: 18th and 19th century ballads, verse describing newsworthy events, poetic effusions of sentimentality and patriotism, comic verse, and much more. When completed, this digital project will include over 20,000 titles.
This collection is part of Brown University Library, hosted by Brown University.

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Items in this collection

The freemen's song

The freemen's song

Brown University

Adapts parable of the rich man in Hell appealing to Lazarus in Abraham's bosom to have the "Father Snake (Valandigham)" appealing from Hell to Uncle Abe. Adapts parable of the rich man in Hell appealing to Lazarus in Abraham's bosom to have the "Father Snake (Valandigham)" appealing from Hell to Uncle Abe. Text of song in 16 four-line stanzas. At end of text: Bloomington, Ill., Feb. 1864.

The freedman's hymn

The freedman's hymn

Brown University

Poem begins with Biblical events, then speaks of Civil War as recently over. Poem begins with Biblical events, then speaks of Civil War as recently over. By Benjamin Little, of Florida. Printed in two columns divided by single line. Text of song in 23 four-line stanzas with four-line chorus beginning: Oh! Heaven, Heaven so sweet. Suggested publication date from date of end of Civil War.

The free flag

The free flag

Brown University

By A. Watson. Printed in one and two columns divided by double lines. At head of title two cuts of American flag with stars arranged differently, one carried by an eagle with scroll inscribed: From the lakes to the gulf, from sea to sea, Base slavery is dead, our flag is now free; below title shield bearing stars and stripes and legend: Federal Republic Ever Enduring. Includes poem in eight stanzas and prose offer of flags in cloth, brass, and stained glass.

The Four Years' War is over

The Four Years' War is over

Brown University

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The Four Years' War is over

The Four Years' War is over

Brown University

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The Four Years' War is over

The Four Years' War is over

Brown University

Printed in red and black on heavy paper. Text within oval frame within architectural border with garland at top tied with ribbon. Title from first line. At end of text: A Christmas greeting from Alice and Rollo Silver 1946.

The four years

The four years

Brown University

Tune: "Captain with his whiskers" With decorated initials in title.

The four seasons

The four seasons

Brown University

by Edward Carswell. Poem. At head of title: No. 14. Printed area: 19.6 x 11.1 cm. Printed within decorative and single line borders. Illustration of the four stages of man's life, with the vice associated with each stage. First line: In spring-time Satan sowed the tares among the wheat.

The four seasons

The four seasons

Brown University

by Edward Carswell. Poem. At head of title: No. 14. Printed area: 19.6 x 11.1 cm. Printed within decorative and single line borders. Illustration of the four stages of man's life, with the vice associated with each stage. First line: In spring-time Satan sowed the tares among the wheat.

The four beliefs

The four beliefs

Brown University

Wood engraving by J.J. Lankes on cover with autograph presentation note beneath: Robert Frost to Earle Bernheimer 1944. Page [2] blank. Crane D6 (note) First line: One is the self-belief, which is a knowledge.

The four beliefs

The four beliefs

Brown University

Wood engraving by J.J. Lankes on cover with autograph presentation note beneath: Robert Frost to Earle Bernheimer 1944. Page [2] blank. Crane D6 (note) First line: One is the self-belief, which is a knowledge.

The fountain

The fountain

Brown University

Within double line border with corner ornaments.

The Fossil's doxology

The Fossil's doxology

Brown University

Poem describes dinner meeting of old friends. Broadsheet printed on heavy paper, with poem on recto and reproduction of photograph of fossil-bearing rock on verso At end of poem: Rauscher's, Washington City, November twenty-first Poem in three eight-line stanzas Author's name not printed on item Author's name from ms. signature on Brown University copy Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence Hay Broadsds Harris copy: Ms. signature at end of poem "Henry L. Bryan 'Argyle.'"

The form falls in on itself

The form falls in on itself

Brown University

Title from first line. Printed from a wood block by Wang Hui-Ming Type-signed at end: David Ignatow. Artist's name from dealer and from signature on Brown University copy Hay Broadsds Harris copy: Not on rag paper (a variant issue on rag paper measuring 33 x 25 cm. is known); author and artist autographed in pencil and dated "1971.

The footprints

The footprints

Brown University

Denise Levertov. Broadsheet. Announces poetry reading May 3, 1971. On verso information about poet and festival and paragraph by Levertov entitled: For the Worcester poetry listeners.