1) Thomas Summers wrote the book published by Carlton Regand New York in 1891 

2) The book is 43 pgs. illustrated by Horace W. Wightman including 18 illustration (copies) on card stock stiff boards with sewn cord spine.  FRONT COVER IS MISSING WE WILL REPEAT THIS AT END OF DESCRIPTION. 

3) The book is set in the swamps and bayous of southern Florida and the city of St. Augustine, the legend begins with the following summary; “It is said that a short time ago and Indian Chief appeared on the streets of St. Augustine accompanied by an old negro man. After viewing the wonderful Ponce de Leon Hotel, and the ancient Fort, he tried to sell the slave; but upon being informed that slavery was a thing of the past, he offered the negro his freedom and returned to his home in the Everglades.”  The legend is illustrated with wonderful vignettes of the history of south Florida, beginning with the conquistadors and continuing to present with image of the city of St. Augustine and its environs. 

4) Book measures 5.25 x 7". 

5) Second page (after cover page) features nicely done ORIGINAL DRAWING ILLUSTRATION BY WIGHTMAN with compliments to Miss Daisy Peck with artist's initials and 'Old Man of the Ledge' notation along right side (as can be seen in artwork).  Who or what Old Man of the Ledge is/was we do not know.   

6) Daisy Peck (1862-1943) was the daughter of William Henry Peck, the famous writer, publisher and professor.   Wikipedia notes she wrote for a newspaper we cannot confirm this.  Daisy married Delos Blodgett (1825-1908) his 2nd marriage originally from New York who became one of the wealthiest businessmen (banking real estate, lumber,) in Grand Rapids, MI and beyond including owning up to 300,000 acres of pinelands in Mississippi.   

So, though Wightman's efforts to woo Miss Peck appear obvious, they ultimately did not end up together. 

7) Dr. Thomas Osmond Summers, Jr. was a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Nashville in 1871. In 1875 he was appointed chairman of anatomy in the joint medical departments of the University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University.  He gained a measure of notoriety for his services during the yellow fever epidemic at Memphis, and became regarded as an expert on the disease. He went on to practice in Jacksonville, Florida, Chicago, New York, and St. Louis where he served as Professor of Anatomy of the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons, a position he held at the time of his untimely death. He also served as a surgeon during the Spanish American War with the rank of major in the Second Tennessee Regiment. His father Thomas Osmond Summers, Sr. was professor of Theology at Vanderbilt 

8) Some attribute the book to his father but Thomas Sr. passed in 1882.  However, it appears possible the story was written by Thomas Sr. as he was a Methodist theologian, clergyman, hymnist, editor, liturgist and university professor.  He is considered one of the most prominent Methodist theologians of the nineteenth century. Minister and writer including essays on slavery.  Did Thomas Jr. publish one of his father's works as his own or was the book always meant to be attributed to his father?        

The condition is good we repeat the cover is missing but the one-of-a-kind artwork by Wightman more than makes up for it.  The title page is breaking along spine so we are loathe to repeatedly open book.  Handle with care.  Pages look clean there is wear along edges small pieces missing some pages in corners.  Spine overall is good.  Back cover intact with scuffs.  This is a historically important book with an added element (bound as part of the book) you rarely ever find.  This will ship fast and FREE signature required.  Contact us any questions and please follow our store as we seek the rare and unique and stories behind it.