Description
The Works Of Charles Sumner, Statesman Edition. It was published in 1899. There were 1000 editions made. This is no. 17. There are 18 volumes. Volumes 1 to 10, and 13 to 20. Does not include volumes 11 and 12.
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Charles Sumner – A Force of Nature with a Pen
Once upon a time in the snowy climes of Boston, Massachusetts, Charles Sumner graced the world with his presence on January 6, 1811. With the ferocity of a nor’easter and the eloquence of a seasoned bard, he set forth on a journey to reshape American society, one fiery speech at a time. Not to be confused with your average statesman, Sumner was quite the Renaissance man – an orator, a lawyer, and a staunch abolitionist with a penchant for stirring the pot in the most sophisticated manner.
Armed with a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to be constantly appraising the moral compass of the nation, Sumner became a revered figure during the American Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction Era. But let’s backtrack a bit to the early days when young Charles was probably formulating arguments on the playground, training for his future role as a senator with the same seriousness that other children reserved for games of tag.
With a law degree that he scooped up from Harvard (because, where else?), Sumner embarked on a political career that would be studded with landmark moments and passionate speeches that probably left his contemporaries both inspired and, occasionally, a tad bit intimidated. But let’s face it, when Charles spoke, everyone listened, even if it meant bringing a dictionary to the Senate floor.
This legal luminary and anti-slavery crusader wasn’t just about the grand speeches, though. Behind the scenes, he was a relentless advocate for civil rights, laboring to dismantle the institution of slavery one legislation at a time. And his methods were as straightforward as a New Englander facing a winter storm: no-nonsense, direct, and perhaps with a dash of that infamous Bostonian brusqueness.
But don’t let his stern demeanor fool you. Sumner had a softer side, often showcasing a camaraderie with fellow luminaries of the time, including the esteemed writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. The letters exchanged between them were nothing short of a literary aficionado’s dream, peppered with wit and wisdom that can still provoke a chuckle or two.
One cannot forget the ‘Caning of Sumner,’ an incident that saw him being attacked on the Senate floor, a testament to the divisive politics of the time (and perhaps a reminder to modern-day politicians to keep their cool). With resilience that would put a rubber band to shame, Sumner bounced back, returning to the Senate with undiminished fervor to fight for justice and equality.
In his personal life, Sumner was quite the character – never married, but always committed to his nation. Perhaps one could say he was engaged to the idea of a just and equitable society, a romance that spanned his entire lifetime.
So here’s to Charles Sumner, a man who walked the earth with the steadfastness of a New England stone wall and the grace of a statesman poet, who could possibly concoct a passionate oration about the moral undertones of a clam chowder. His legacy remains not just in the annals of American history, but in the spirit of passionate advocacy and unyielding pursuit of justice that echoes through the generations. Because when it comes to leaving a mark, Charles Sumner didn’t just write in ink, he etched in stone.
