History of Europe: From the Fall of Napoleon in MDCCCXV to the Accession of Louis Napoleon in MDCCCLII Vol V.

ALISON, Sir Archibald Alison [Millard Fillmore].

$1,750.00

Item Number: 147785

Edinburgh and London: William Blackwood and Sons, 1856.

Early edition of this influential work chronicling European events from the French Revolution to the mid-19th century. Sir Archibald Alison was a Scottish historian, writer, and advocate whose most notable contributions were in the realm of historical and philosophical writing. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine, floral border details stamped in blind. From the library of President Millard Fillmore with his ownership signature to the pastedown of the front panel, “Millard Fillmore April 29, 1857.” In very good condition. Housed in a custom chemise clamshell slipcase.

The 12th Vice President, United States, Millard Fillmore, was elevated to the presidency in 1850 by the death of President Zachary Taylor. Born into relative poverty in upstate New York, he became a prominent lawyer and politician in the Buffalo area and a Whig as the party formed in the 1830s in opposition to the policies of Andrew Jackson. During the American Civil War, Fillmore was critical of Lincoln's war policies and openly denounced secession, asserting that the Union must be maintained by force if necessary. As President he was instrumental in passing the Compromise of 1850 which led to a brief truce in the conflict between slave and free states which divided the Union and strengthened the Fugitive Slave Act which provided for the return of slaves who escaped from one state into another territory.