ABSTRACT
In the 19th century there were two types of autograph collectors: (1) the elite collector who received autographs as a family bequest, bought them at auction, or cultivated friendship with a desired correspondent, and (2) the plebian collector who excessively flattered prominent figures for their autographs. The rage for collecting famous signatures came about due to a lingering allegiance to European celebrities and also to the rise of “belles-lettres” in America. For instance, the great scientist Darwin attracted autograph hounds, never mind that his theories were in dispute. To own any piece of paper signed by George Washington or one of the founding fathers highlighted a collection. Likewise coveted were Poe, Hawthorne, Emerson, and Longfellow signatures. Actors, clergymen, soldiers, inventors, whoever achieved a measure of fame was marketable. To have an autograph of an admired figure was like possessing part of that person–much better than a lock of hair or a handkerchief. That is how the fever started.
