Carl Sandburg was very proud of his vest pocket library. It consisted of a series of biographies of famous personages, such as Civil War generals, nationally known orators, actors and other public figures. The miniature booklets (2 ¾ x 1 ½ inches) fitted into Sandburg's vest pocket and only he knew they were there. He could take one out and read it anytime he wished.

The biographies were included with each package of Duke's cigarettes, a fairly expensive brand. Carl found the first pamphlet on Seminary Street near Second Street. He asked around and found several men who smoked the brand. They promised to keep the biographies for him.

One of the biographies was about Sarah Bernhardt. She was the illegitimate daughter of a Dutch Jewess and the son of a wealthy family. Sarah was born in Paris during October 1844. She was well educated and studied acting. She made her debut in Paris in 1862, but wasn't very successful. She continued to act and achieved success by 1868. She played a number of male parts which appealed to the public

In 1880 Bernhardt brought her troop to America. It gave 157 performances in fifty-one cities. She had her own train especially fitted out for her comfort. In many cities she was condemned for her immoral lifestyle, but the public paid to see her perform anyway.

The most popular play presented by Bernhardt was “Camille.” She played a girl who was dying and calling for her lover, Armand, to come to her. She also appeared in other plays in which her character died.

Bernhardt always insisted on being paid in cash. She lived in a lavish style in Paris. Whenever her debts became too large, she arranged to go on tour in another part of the world. She made four farewell tours of the United States beginning in 1905.

In 1915 Sarah had a leg amputated almost to the hip. The injury had occurred when she jumped from a balcony to the stage floor. The mattress which was supposed to be in place to protect her had been moved elsewhere. The wound was not tended to immediately and gangrene developed. Afterward, Bernhardt continued to perform while seated. She liked to arrive at the theater in an elaborately decorated palaquin carried by two men.

Bernhardt died on March 26, 1923, in Paris. Thirty thousand people witnessed the funeral. She was buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery. The tombstone bears only her surname.

Carl Sandburg did see Sarah Bernhardt on stage in Chicago after he moved there. The play was “Camille.”