Alcuin Books, Ltd.

[Manuscript Archive] Important mid-century archive of 15 typed research manuscripts by Arabian horse authority Carl Raswan, totaling 65 pages. Includes authentic handwritten ink corrections by Raswan and rare related pages by Jane Llewellyn Ott

Raswan, Carl R. (with Jane Llewellyn OTT).

8 1/2" x 11" Item #024173

Collection of 15 Original, Hand-Corrected Typed Research Manuscripts, Essays, and Narratives on Purebred Arabian Horse Breeding, Historic Bloodline Strains, and Foundation Sires. Circa 1955-1956. Unbound. A total of 65 pages of mid-century typescript on mixed paper stocks (comprising thin paper and heavier utility stocks). An extraordinary, highly important archival lot containing 15 distinct, working draft manuscripts and research essays typed by the legendary Arabian horse scholar, author, and bloodline authority Carl R. Raswan (1893-1972). Known globally for his seminal multi-volume "The Raswan Index". These individual texts provide an unparalleled look into Raswan's mature philosophies regarding purebred versus part-bred bloodlines, historical preservation, strain definitions, and regional breeding politics. A definitive highlight of this archive is the presence of original ink marginalia and textual corrections in Raswan's own distinct hand. Most notably, on the text regarding pure and part-bred lines, Raswan utilizes a neat pen arrow to manually insert the crucial historical breed classification "the Hungarian" directly into his typed text alongside the Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arab, Araber-Rasse, Trakehner, and Hannoveraner. Internal textual evidence firmly dates the creation of these documents to the mid-1950s, featuring specific, vivid accounts of prominent stallions from the era-including the legendary purebred stallion FaSerr and the part-bred champion Rasan at the October 1955 Chicago All Arabian Horse Show. The collection is meticulously cataloged as follows: 1. A Message from Carl Raswan - 6 pages, typed on rectos and versos (both sides). 2. Pure and Part Bred Arabians - 4 pages, typed on rectos only [Includes 2 complete copies; 8 pages total]. Features the famous handwritten "the Hungarian" marginalia. 3. The Arabian Horse as Your Friend and Companion - 4 pages, typed on rectos only. 4. Importations and Registrations of Arabian Horses - 5 pages, typed on rectos only. 5. Arabian Pedigrees - 3 pages, typed on rectos only. 6. Pure Strains of Arabians - 4 pages, typed on rectos only. 7. The Head of the Arabian - 4 pages, typed on rectos only. 8. Undistinguished Types of Arabian Horses - 3 pages, typed on rectos only. 9. Rukhwa, The Stray Mare - 4 pages, typed on rectos only. A rare narrative draft. 10. An Analysis of Arabian Pedigrees - 3 pages, typed on rectos only. 11. Some Notes on Arabians - 2 pages, typed on rectos only. 12. Feysul's Mare, The Jallabiyah - 8 pages, typed on rectos only (March/April); together with (May/June) another 8 pages with the same title but different text, typed on rectos only. total 16 pages. 13. Davenport VS. Blunt Arabians - 6 ½ pages, typed on rectos with conclusion on the final verso. A highly significant historical commentary on early American and British import factions. 14. Pronouncing Arabian Words - 1 page, typed on recto only. 15. Story Behind the Story - ½ page, typed on recto only. Additional material included in the lot: "One miscellaneous unclassified typescript fragment (½ page, typed on recto). "Ott, Jane Llewellyn (Manuscript transcribed by Carl Raswan). "The Arabian Horse" - 2 half-pages, typed on recto and verso. A truly remarkable collaborative item. While the text was composed by Ott (the renowned creator of The Blue Arabian Horse Catalog), structural and typographical evidence strongly indicates that this typescript was personally executed by Carl Raswan himself, transcribing an article or text she had provided during their close mid-1950s research partnership. Natural light age-toning to the various paper stocks, minor handling creases, and typical minor edge wear. Typing exhibits Raswan's unique personal spacing anomalies, formatting quirks, and double-hyphen and dashes characteristic of his raw drafts. Text entirely crisp, legible, and complete. An indispensable primary resource for specialized equestrian archives, institutional collections, or advanced breed historians.

Price: $1,450.00