The collection contains a first edition copy of The Real Lincoln belonging to the essay's author, Charles L.C. Minor. The Real Lincoln is a passionately anti-Lincoln essay seeking to lower what Minor considers a too inflated reputation. Published in 1901, the pamphlet is 66 pages in length and was later expanded into a 230-page book. The essay examines Lincoln's reputation for bravery, the authenticity of his belief in Christianity, his rapport with his peers, and the legality of his decisions regarding the Civil War. The copy in the collection includes numerous marginal notes, additions and corrections, and several portions are removed by razor. The copy is signed twice by Minor.

The pamphlet also includes an anti-Lincoln essay written by Lyon Gardiner Tyler, son of President John Tyler and President of William and Mary College from 1888-1919.

A color copy of the original 1901 pamphlet was printed and added to the collection for contextual purposes. A print copy of of the 1901 edition of The Real Lincoln is cataloged for the Special Collections and University Archives Rare Book Collection.