Theory. Practice. Effect - Print, Library of Congress collection

An unusual, three-part wood engraving attributing John Wilkes Booth's assassination of Abraham Lincoln to the influence of the proslavery secret society, the Knights of the Golden Circle. Lincoln was shot by Booth on April 14, 1865, while attending Ford's Theatre in Washington. In the first panel (left) is a three-quarter length portrait of George W. L. Bickley, the "Head of the Knights of the Golden Circle." Above him is the word "Theory." The central panel--"Practice"--shows John Wilkes Booth in profile holding a dagger behind his back. The "Effect" is the death of President Lincoln, whose profile portrait at right is framed by swags of black drapery. Beneath the portrait are Lincoln's initials and olive branches.

Published in: American political prints, 1766-1876 / Bernard F. Reilly. Boston : G.K. Hall, 1991, entry 1865-5.