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

Execution of Stevens

Execution of Stevens

Brown University

Poetry in 7 four-line stanzas; disjointed contents tell of murder and imprisonment. Text printed within border of type ornaments; alternating type size towards end of text. Printer could be Joseph K. Barr, who is known to have printed in New York between 1824 and 1842. Type and appearance of broadside suggest the probable range of dates.

Excelsior: a poetic view of Niagara

Poetry in 14 four-line stanzas printed in two columns divided by rule Within ornamental border At end of text: Jennie Fry, aged eighty years; resident of Niagara City, N.Y Within border above title with double rule as divider, two photos of Niagara Falls

Excelsior: (as H.W.L. would not have written it.)

Poetry in eight four line stanzas printed in black within rule border; each stanza closes with "Sapolio." Type-signed at end: Bret Harte. According to Blanck (BAL 7293) first printing for "Enoch Morgan's Sons Co., manufacturers of Sapolio, by Donaldson Brothers, Five Points, N.Y., 1877.

Excelsior songster no. 14

Broadsheet printed in eight columns on recto and seven on verso, divided by single lines. Wood-engravings include seated blackface minstrel playing banjo at left of title on recto, similar minstrel playing bones at right of title, and ornamental chains and watches in advertisements on verso. At head of text on recto: 75 comic and sentimental songs as sung by Gus. Williams, Joe. Emmet, Tony Pastor, W.J. Scanlon, and others. 120 recipes! household and manufacturing. Includes text of popular songs, chiefly on recto, and on verso directions for magic tricks, letter writing, household remedies, temperance drinks, etc. with advertisements for books and jewelry. Suggested publication date from latest song copyright date mentioned.

Excelsior songster no. 14

Broadsheet printed in eight columns on recto and seven on verso, divided by single lines. Wood-engravings include seated blackface minstrel playing banjo at left of title on recto, similar minstrel playing bones at right of title, and ornamental chains and watches in advertisements on verso. At head of text on recto: 75 comic and sentimental songs as sung by Gus. Williams, Joe. Emmet, Tony Pastor, W.J. Scanlon, and others. 120 recipes! household and manufacturing. Includes text of popular songs, chiefly on recto, and on verso directions for magic tricks, letter writing, household remedies, temperance drinks, etc. with advertisements for books and jewelry. Suggested publication date from latest song copyright date mentioned.

Exalt Him all ye people

Exalt Him all ye people

Brown University

Within double-line border. First line same as title. Text of hymn in three stanzas. Suggested range of publication dates from internal evidence.

Ex crematus ex stare

Ex crematus ex stare

Brown University

Julie Scheinman. Pages [2] and [4] blank. Cover title. Poem in five numbered sections. "50 copies printed by the author." Publication date from ms. author's inscription on Brown University copy.

Evolute

Evolute

Brown University

Tom Bridwell. Printed on ivory paper. Type ornament at end of poem.

Everywhere

Everywhere

Brown University

Border of type ornaments at top and bottom.

Everybody sing: Community song sheet

Broadsheet; folded into fourth creating 8 pages. Contains text for 32 numbered songs beginning with: Star-spangled banner [First line: Oh, say, can you see by the dawn's early light]; at end below double line advertising sheet music for Victor L. Schertzinger's "An old adobe" Copyright dates for individual songs suggest publication after 1919.

Ever, forever, where'er thou art dwelling

Printed in gold and colors on heavy paper in postcard format; text in red and black, background gold. Embossed colored illustration of lilac sprays. Title from first lines. Suggested publication date from postmark on Brown University copy.