The Archivist’s Desk

Beyond the Assassin: John Wilkes Booth's Owned 1862 "Robbers" Scenery List and a J. Wilkes Booth Handwriting Study by Luke Pascal Supporting His Personal Annotation

Before he became one of the most infamous figures in American history, John Wilkes Booth was among the most celebrated actors of his generation. This rare 1862 scenery list for Friedrich Schiller's The Robbers offers a fascinating glimpse into Booth's life on the American stage during the height of his theatrical career. Formerly housed in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum as part of the renowned Louise and Barry Taper Collection, the manuscript contains a pencil notation believed to be in Booth's hand. Historical Autographs Gallery founder Luke Pascal conducted an extensive handwriting study comparing the notation to an authenticated Booth letter previously sold by RR Auction and certified by PSA/DNA, with noted autograph expert John Reznikoff subsequently reviewing the analysis and agreeing with the attribution. Combining museum provenance, theatrical history, and compelling handwriting evidence, this remarkable document provides a rare connection to the professional world of John Wilkes Booth before the events that forever altered American history.