THE HISTORY OF AMERICA, FROM ITS DISCOVERY BY COLUMBUS TO THE CONCLUSION OF THE LATE WAR. WITH AN APPENDIX, CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF THE PRESENT UNHAPPY CONTEST BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND HER COLONIES.
2 Volumes.
- London: Fielding and Walker, 1778.
- 4to
- half calf over marbled paper boards, five raised bands on spine, gilt on spine
- iv, 596; 629, (1) pages, plus 50 (of 51) maps and plates (some folding).
Price: $10,000.00 other currencies
Order Nr. 137540
First edition of this scarce history of America by William Russell. SABIN 74383. HOWES R539. BELL R432. SERVIES 549. ESTC T114880. BEINECKE LESSER ANTILLES COLLECTION 319. This copy has been rebound by the noted bookbinder, Jan Sobota, in a lovely reproduction of a contemporary binding, with his signature on the rear pastedown of volume one. Lacking only one of the 51 plates originally accomanying this set (plate 2, opposite page 1). Plate 44 has been repaired, lacking one-third of the original plate. Only the slightest hint of foxing throughout, with minor finger smudges. Very minor offsetting by the plates to the opposite pages. Minor repairs throughout by an obviously skilled restoration expert, most likely Sobota himself. Overall, a tight, bright set.
A comprehensive history of America for the time, issued in the midst of the American Revolution, covering the period from the conquest through the settlement and division of America. It is likely that the book was inspired by the war, and the second half of the second volume is devoted to events from the French and Indian War up to the American treaty with France in February 1778. Illustrated with a profusion of nicely engraved maps, plans, portraits, and plates depicting South American Indians, scenes of European conquest, Florida Indians, Esquimaux, seaport views, and the like. While some of the views seem to have been cribbed from the usual sources, such as De Bry's GRAND VOYAGES, many seem unique to this work. The early maps are after Bellin, the later ones after Jefferys.