This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/11/2019
Katherine Lee Bates Rare Manuscript of "America The Beautiful" printed "AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL" Signed, entitled "America," being all four verses of the final edition of her 1895 poem "America the Beautiful" - which, set to the tune of the hymn "Materna," is just as famous and considerably easier to sing than the official national anthem. 1 page, 5.5" by 8.5", no place, no date; rare. In excellent condition. Bates' patriotic song was a strong contender to become the country's national anthem but Congress, in its infinite wisdom, gave the nod to the "Star-Spangled Banner" in 1931. Of note, too, is that Bates never sought royalties for the poem's publication or the song's performance.