Abbie Pope formed a remarkable library of between seven and ten thousand books. Her collection included illuminated manuscripts, incunabula, early English literature, Americana, first editions of English and American authors of the nineteenth century, autograph letters and manuscripts, extra-illustrated works, fine bindings, and bibliography. After her death her library was sold by her husband to Dodd, Mead and Company, which issued a prospectus in October 1895. Robert Hoe bought a large portion of the collection, while the remainder was offered for sale in Dodd, Mead catalogues of March and April 1896.

Abbie Hanscom was born on 13 May 1858 in Raynham (now Prattville), Massachusetts, the daughter of Charlotte Ellen Pratt (born Raynham) and John Hanscom. Little is known of Abbie Hanscom's early life or education. In the census of 1880 she is listed as a member of her father's household in Chicago with the designation "musical student."

In 1872 Hanscom had moved to Chicago...