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Rare Collected edition of Thomas Paine's Rights of Man
PAINE, Thomas.
Rights of Man: Being an Answer to Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution.
London: Printed for the Booksellers, 1792.
Scarce early collected edition of Paine's classic work. Duodecimo, two parts bound in one volume, contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards. In very good condition with rubbing to the extremities, spine, front and rear panels. First printed in London by Joseph Johnson in March, 1791, publication was quickly taken over by J.S. Jordan, who published his own revised edition later that same year. Part two was published a year later, in February, 1792. A rare and desirable combined edition, containing both parts of Paine's work.
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 146441
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Rare Eighteenth Century Set of Adam Smiths Masterpiece The Wealth of Nations
SMITH, Adam.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
London: A. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1793.
Rare 18th century edition of Adam Smith's magnum opus and cornerstone of economic thought. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in half calf over marbled boards, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine labels. In near fine condition. A very nice set of this classic work.
Price: $4,600.00 Item Number: 124986
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Rare hand-colored map of Puerto Cavello; one of the earliest obtainable English language maps to focus on this region
LAURIE, Robert; James Whittle.
Puerto Cavello on the Coast of Caracas; by Lt. Jones in 1741. [18th Century English Map of Puerto Cavello].
London: Laurie & Whittle, 1794.
Rare hand-colored map of Puerto Cavello, one of the earliest obtainable English language maps to focus on this region. One page, the map displays a town plan, charting of the harbor, forts and surrounding islands. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 12.5 inches. A handsome example.
Price: $850.00 Item Number: 123081
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Rare Hand-Colored 18th Century Laurie & Whittle Map of La Guaira
LAURIE, Robert and James Whittle.
Plan of the Road and Town of La Guayra on the Coast of Caraccas, by an Officer in Admiral Knowles’s Squadron. [18th Century English Map of La Guaira].
London: Laurie & Whittle, 1794.
Rare Hand-Colored 18th Century Laurie & Whittle Map of La Guaira. One page, the map details the town of La Guaira, Venezuela. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 7.25 inches by 7.5 inches. Rare and desirable with fine hand-coloring.
Price: $850.00 Item Number: 123180
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Rare Sundry Estimates and Statements Relative to Appropriations for the Service of the Year 1794
HAMILTON, Alexander.
Sundry Estimates and Statements Relative to Appropriations for the Service of the Year 1794.
1794.
Rare printed Treasury Department report detailing projected expenditures by the federal government for the year 1794. Quarto, 20 pp. Includes reporting on sources of revenue, duties on imports and tonnage, provision for payment of interest on balances due to the individual states, as well as interest on the public debt. Also printed is expenditures for the Civil List for the various branches and departments of the federal government, including the executive, both houses of Congress, the War Department, Indian Department, etc. Finally, printed toward the rear is a list of the revenue and appropriations for 1789-93, the amount of duties…
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 132301
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1795 Edition of Letters From General Washington To Several Of His Friends, In June And July 1776; In Which is Set Forth an Interesting View of American Politics, at That All-Important Period
[WASHINGTON, George]; Benjamin Franklin Bache.
Letters From General Washington To Several Of His Friends, In June And July 1776; In Which is Set Forth an Interesting View of American Politics, at That All-Important Period.
Philadelphia: The Federal Press, 1795.
Rare 1795 printing of this piece of royalist propaganda. Octavo, bound in full calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt, frontispiece portrait of General George Washington. In very good condition with some rubbing to the extremities, toning to the front and rear free endpapers.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 146670
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First edition of The Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon; elaborately bound
GIBBON, Edward.
Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon, Esquire. With Memoirs of His Life and Writings, Composed by Himself: Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narrative by John Lord Sheffield.
London: Printed for A. Strahan, and T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1796.
First edition of Gibbon’s memoirs, letters, and additional works, posthumously collected and published by his closest friend, John Baker Holroyd, 1st Earl of Sheffield. Quarto, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, engraved frontispiece portrait of Gibbon. In near fine condition. A very attractive example of one of the first modern autobiographies published in the English language.
Price: $3,000.00 Item Number: 135133
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Richard Watson's An Apology for the Bible in a Series of Letters, Adressed to Thomas Paine
WATSON, Richard.
An Apology for the Bible; In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a book entitled The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being and Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology.
Philadelphia: Printed for W. Young, Mills & Son, 1796.
Rare early printing of this response to Thomas Paine's 'The Age of Reason.' Duodecimo, original full leather with gilt titles and ruling to the spine. In very good condition with rubbing to the extremities, front panel, and spine, some toning throughout, a small loss to the front flyleaf, and bookplates to the front free endpaper and pastedown. Many editions of this book were put out in the same year, all up and down the coast of Colonial America, all fairly small runs.
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 146706
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Rare first edition of Hamilton's Reply to Wood
HAMILTON, Alexander.
Observations on Certain Documents Contained in No.V & VI of “The History of the United States for the Year 1796,” in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted.
Philadelphia: John Bioren for John Fenno, 1797.
Rare first edition of one of the major causes célèbres in American governmental history. Octavo, bound in contemporary morocco, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition. This first edition of 1797 is rare as it was bought up by the Hamilton family in an effort to suppress it, but was ultimately reprinted in 1800 by Hamilton’s political enemies. Housed in a custom half calf clamshell box.
Price: $32,000.00 Item Number: 52680
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First Edition of "one of the classical works in the history of economics" and "the beginning of sociology": Frederic Morton Eden's The State of the Poor
EDEN, Sir Frederic Morton.
The State of the Poor: Or an History of the Labouring Classes in England, from the Conquest to the Present Period; in Which are Particularly Considered Their Domestic Economy with Respect to Diet, Dress, Fuel and Habitation.
London: J. Davis, for B. & J. White, G. & G. Robinson, T. Payne, 1797.
First edition of this classic work. Quarto, 3 volumes, bound mottled full calf, raised bands, gilt titles to the spine, gilt lined, black morocco spine labels. In excellent condition with the folding table facing p. viii of the appendix in Volume III.
Price: $7,800.00 Item Number: 20029
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Rare Second English edition of Thomas Paine's Letter to George Washington
PAINE, Thomas.
Letter From Thomas Paine to George Washington, President of the United States of America.
London: Printed for H. D. Symonds, 1797.
Rare second English edition of Paine's bitter letter to Washington written during his imprisonment in Paris, issued the same year as the first English edition. Octavo. In near fine condition. Ownership initials to the front panel.
Price: $6,500.00 Item Number: 134033
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Samuel Johnson Pratt's Family Secrets; from the library of President George Washington; with a small note in his hand tipped in
PRATT, Samuel Johnson. [George Washington].
Family Secrets: By Mr. Pratt. Volume III. [From the Library of George Washington].
London: Printed for T.N. Longman, Paternoster-Row, 1798.
Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with a burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine. Vol. III of the original five volumes. Tipped in to the pastedown is a small clipped note in the hand of George Washington which reads, "with the said" and the bookplate of Benjamin Lincoln Lear. The set in which this volume originated was listed in a manuscript by Washington's private secretary Tobias Lear titled 'Catalogue of Books received from Washington' and bears the bookplate of Lear's son Benjamin Lincoln Lear. Tobias Lear served as Washington's personal secretary from 1784 until…
Price: $30,000.00 Item Number: 139518
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“The constancy of the laws of nature, or the certainty with which we may expect the same effects from the same causes, is the foundation of the faculty of reason”: Rare First Edition of Malthus' An Essay on the Principle of Population; With An autograph Note from Him
MALTHUS, Thomas Robert [T.R.].
An Essay on the Principle of Population, as It Affects the Future Improvement of Society.
London: J. Johnson, 1798.
First edition of this cornerstone text of modern economics. Octavo, bound in three quarters calf. Laid in is a clipping from an original manuscript signed by Malthus and entirely in his hand which reads in part, "If at one time such a given product would make an effectual demand for certain commodities the conditions of the supply of which are supposed to remain the same, it would immediately cease to make such effectual." Signed by Malthus in the lower right corner, "Malthus." The verso features two further partial lines of text relating to supply and demand. In near fine condition.…
Price: $200,000.00 Item Number: 116955
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Adam Smiths Masterpiece The Wealth of Nations; Finely Bound
SMITH, Adam.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
London: A. Strahan and T. Cadell, 1799.
Early edition of Adam Smith's magnum opus and cornerstone of economic thought. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in full calf, gilt titles to the spine, morocco spine labels. In near fine condition, rebacked. An exceptional set of this classic work.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 137589
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"AN ORIGINAL SOURCE OF THE FIRST CLASS": LA ROCHEFOUCAULT-LIANCOURT'S TRAVELS THROUGH THE UNITED STATES OF NORTH AMERICA AND CANADA, SCARCE 1799 FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH, WITH THREE MAPS OF AMERICA—A BEAUTIFUL COPY
LA ROCHEFOUCAULT-LIANCOURT, [Francois Alexandre].
Travels Through the United States of North America, the Country of the Iroquois, and Upper Canada, in the Years 1795, 1796, and 1797; With an Authentic Account of Lower Canada.
London: For R. Phillips by T. Davison, 1799.
First edition in English of "an original source of the first class for American history at the close of the 18th century" (Larned). Quarto, bound in full calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, gilt tooling to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers, with three engraved folding maps of North America and six folding tables. In near fine condition. An exceptional example of this landmark work. First editions are rare.
Price: $9,500.00 Item Number: 112450
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NAPOLEON'S PERSONAL COPY OF VOLNEY'S VOYAGE, FROM HIS LIBRARY IN EXILE AT ST. HELENA, WITH HIS AUTOGRAPH ANNOTATIONS THROUGHOUT and likely the copy which accompanied him during his Egyptian Campaigns
VOLNEY, Constantin Francois. [Napoleon Bonaparte: His Copy].
Voyage en Syrie et en Egypte, Pendant Les Annees 1783, 84, et 85. [Travel to Syria and Egypt, During the Years 1783, 84, and 85].
A Paris: Chez Dugour et Durand, Libraires, Rue et Hotel Serpente, 1799.
Volney's important work on Egypt and Syria, from the library in exile of Napoleon Bonaparte with his annotations and corrections throughout, several made as he was dictating details from the Egyptian Campaign for his own Memoirs. This copy may also have accompanied him during his Egyptian Campaigns; it is known that Napoleon brought along a copy of Volney's book to Egypt, and it served as the standard reference source for the members of the campaign. Octavo, two volumes bound in full contemporary French sprinkled calf with gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt scrolling to…
Price: $250,000.00 Item Number: 146536
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Rare First Edition of Tunis Wortman's Political Classic A Treatise Concerning Political Enquiry, and the Liberty of the Press
WORTMAN, Tunis.
A Treatise Concerning Political Enquiry, and the Liberty of the Press.
New York: Printed by George Forman, 1800.
First edition of a classic work of libertarian political philosophy. Octavo, contemporary calf. In very good condition with some marginal dampstaining and wear to the extremities. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box. First editions are extremely rare.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 23046
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"The earliest known book on chess printed in America": Rare First Edition of Chess Made Easy. New and Comprehensive Rules for Playing the Game of Chess
FRANKLIN, Dr. Benjamin.
Chess Made Easy. New and Comprehensive Rules for Playing the Game of Chess.
Philadelphia: James Humphrey, 1802.
First edition of the earliest known book on chess printed in America. 32mo,bound in half leather over marbled boards, illustrated with engraved frontispiece. In very good condition with some rubbing to the extremities, frontispiece repaired, title-page repaired and dampstained. An exceptional rarity, with only one example appearing at auction in the last 75 years.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 126090
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Rare large paper edition of Reverend Edwards Forster's translation of The Arabian Nights
FORSTER, Reverend Edward.
The Arabian Nights, in Five Volumes, Translated by The Reverend Edward Forster.
London: Printed for William Miller, 1802.
Large paper edition of this early translation by Edward Forster (1769-1828), based on the French version of Antoine Galland which first appeared between 1704 and 1717. Royal octavo, bound in full period calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, illustrated with engravings from pictures by Robert Smirke. In very good condition. Small bookplate to the pastedown of each volume.
Price: $600.00 Item Number: 145199
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First Edition of Burney's Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean
BURNEY, Capt. James.
A Chronological History of the Discoveries in the South Sea or Pacific Ocean. Illustrated with Charts.
London: Printed by Luke Hansard, 1803.
Rare first edition of "the most important general history of early South Seas discoveries, containing practically everything of importance on the subject; collected from all sources, with the most important remarks concerning them. Many of the early voyages to California would be inaccessible were they not collected herein" (Hill). Quarto, 5 volumes bound in full calf with red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, botanical ruling stamped in blind to the front and rear panels, marbled endpapers. Containing 28 engraved maps (15 folding), 13 plates (1 folding), woodcut…
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 117105
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First edition in English of Charles Bossut's A General History of Mathematics; finely bound in full contemporary calf
BOSSUT, John.
A General History of Mathematics From the Earliest Times, to the Middle of the Eighteenth Century.
London: Printed for J. Johnson, 1803.
First edition in English of Bossut's fundamental history of mathematics. Octavo, bound in full contemporary polished diced calf with gilt tooling to the spine, black morocco spine label lettered in gilt, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panel, marbled endpapers and all edges marbled, ribbon bound in. Translated from the French by John Bossut. In near fine condition. Contemporary ownership inscription. A very attractive 19th century binding.
Price: $300.00 Item Number: 137152
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Rare Second Edition of Malthus' An Essay on the Principle of Population
MALTHUS, Thomas Robert [T.R.].
An Essay on the Principle of Population, as It Affects the Future Improvement of Society.
London: T. Bensley, 1803.
Rare second edition of this cornerstone text of modern economics. Quarto, bound in full diced morocco, raised bands, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, front and rear panels, marbled endpapers. In very good condition. An exceptional presentation.
Price: $7,500.00 Item Number: 143843
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FIRST EDITION OF JOHN MARSHALL’S LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON, WITH THE SCARCE ATLAS VOLUME
MARSHALL, John. [George Washington].
The Life of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Forces, During the War Which Established the Independence of His Country, and First President of the United States. [WITH] The Life of George Washington: Maps and Subscriber’s Names.
Philadelphia: C.P. Wayne, 1804-1807.
First edition, first issue of the first biography of George Washington with the scarce atlas volume and list of subscribers. Octavo, six volumes, bound in full contemporary tree calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, tissue-guarded engraved frontispiece portrait of Washington to volume I. With the scarce atlas volume which is bound in three quarter calf over marbled boards and contains 10 engraved maps, 9 folding, and the 22-page list of subscribers. In very good condition. A rare and complete set in an attractive contemporary binding.
Price: $14,000.00 Item Number: 131234
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[HAMILTON, Alexander].
The Speeches at Full Length of Mr. Van Ness, Mr. Caines, The Attorney-General, Mr. Harrison, and General Hamilton, in the Great Cause of the People, Against Harry Croswell, on an Indictment of Libel on Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States.
New York: Printed by G. & R. Waite, No. 64 Maiden-Lane, 1804.
First edition of this landmark case in the history of the First Amendment. Octavo, disbound. In very good condition. Rare with only a handful appearing in auction records.
Price: $1,750.00 Item Number: 142963
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Finely bound early 19th century Scottish printing of ADAM SMITH’S MASTERPIECE THE WEALTH OF NATIONS
SMITH, Adam.
An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
Edinburgh: Printed by and For J. & J. Scrymgeour, and for Mundell & Son, and Arch. Constable & Co., 1805.
Finely bound early 19th century printing of Adam Smith’s magnum opus and cornerstone of economic thought. Octavo, 3 volumes bound in full contemporary calf with gilt tooling to the spine, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt. A new edition containing A Life of the Author and a View of the Doctrine of Smith, compared with that of the French Economists. In good condition. Armorial bookplates.
Price: $2,000.00 Item Number: 138495
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Thomas Leland's Translation of The Orations of Demosthenes; bound in full early 19th century calf
DEMOSTHENES. TRANSLATED BY THOMAS LELAND,.
The Orations of Demosthenes: Pronounced to Excite Athenians Against Philip, King of Macedon. Translated by Thomas Leland, D. D.
London: Printed by T. Bensley, 1806.
Finely bound example of Leland's translation of the Orations of Demosthenes. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. In fine condition. Rare and desirable bound in early 19th century calf.
Price: $1,200.00 Item Number: 123088
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Travels from St. Petersburgh in Russia, to Various Parts of Asia
BELL, John.
Travels from St. Petersburgh in Russia, to Various Parts of Asia.
Edinburgh: Printed for William Creech, 1806.
First published in Glasgow in 1763. The two maps, well engraved and printed on thick paper, are: "A Map of Mr. Bell's Journeys from Petersburg to Ispahan and from Petersburg to Constantinople" (39.5x31 cm) and "A Map of Mr. Bell's Journey from Moscow to Pekin."
Price: $600.00 Item Number: 76019
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Rare First Edition of Schola Italica Artis Pictoriae sive Tabulae insigniores in Romanis Pinacothecis Adservatae
Schola Italica Artis Pictoriae sive Tabulae insigniores in Romanis Pinacothecis Adservatae.
Rome: Petri Pauli Montagnani-Mirabili, 1806.
Rare first edition of Schola Italica Artis Pictoriae sive Tabulae insigniores in Romanis Pinacothecis Adservatae. Folio, bound in three quarters morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, fine engraved pictorial title and 39 plates. In very good condition. Rare.
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 90342
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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit": One of Only 50 sets of The Works of Aristotle; Signed by Translator Thomas Taylor in volumes 1 and 4.
ARISTOTLE; TRANSLATED BY THOMAS TAYLOR,.
The Works of Aristotle.
London: Robert Wilks, 1806-12.
Exceptionally rare complete set of the first edition in English of the works of Aristotle, limited to only 50 sets, signed by the translator Thomas Taylor in volumes one and four. Quarto, 11 volumes, bound in full contemporary calf, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, morocco spine labels, ribbon book marks bound in, marbled endpapers, all edges marbled. The set composes of the following: Volume 1: The Organon, 1807, signed at the end by the translator Thomas Taylor, and with A Brief Notice of Mr. Thomas Taylor, the Celebrated Platonist, with a Complete List of his Published Works, by…
Price: $55,000.00 Item Number: 138648
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First edition of William Wilkins' The Antiquities of Magna Graecia
WILKINS, William.
The Antiquities of Magna Graecia.
Cambridge: Printed at the University Press by Richard Watts for Longman, Hurst, Orme and Rees, 1807.
First edition of this ambitious and influential work on the classical architecture of the Magna Graecia by one of the leading figures of the English Greek Revival movement of the early 19th century. Folio, bound in full green buckram, engraved vignette to the title page, illustrated with 73 full-page engraved plates including 20 aquatint views, maps, and illustrations, subscribers list. In near fine condition with the plates remarkably clean. Library stamp to the title page and bookplate to the pastedown.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 116938
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“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between”: Rare First Editions of the Full Orchestral Scores of the Symphonies of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven; Including the first appearance of of the full scores of Mozart's Overture to the Marriage of Figaro and Symphony no. 40
BEETHOVEN, Ludwig van; Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart .
A Compleat Collection of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven’s Symphonies, in Score, Most Respectfully Dedicated, by Permission, to H.R.H The Prince of Wales.
London: Lavenu, Cianchettini & Sperati, 1808-1810.
First editions of the first printings of the full orchestral scores of the complete symphonies of Beethoven, Mozart, and Hadyn. Quarto, two volumes bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards wit gilt titles and tooling to the spine, including A Complete Collection of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven's Symphonies (Cianchettini and Sperati) and A Complete Collection of Mozart and Beethoven's Symphonies. A Compleat Collection of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven's Symphonies contains the first appearance of the full scores of Mozart's Overture to the Marriage of Figaro, Mozart's Symphony no. 40, and no. 41. (Fuld, The Book of World-Famous Music, 564-567). A Complete Collection…
Price: $40,000.00 Item Number: 95829
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Rare first edition of Marshman's The Works of Confucius; complete with his Dissertation on the Characters and Sounds of the Chinese Language
MARSHMAN, Joshua [Confucius].
The Works of Confucius; Containing the Original Text, With a Translation. To Which is Prefixed a Dissertation on the Chinese Language and Character. [The Analects of Confucius].
Serampore: Printed at the Mission Press, 1809.
First English translation of the Analects of Confucius complete with the rare Dissertation on the Chinese Language and Character, here bound in a separate volume. Quarto, two volumes bound in three quarter morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, illustrated with 2 folding charts on Chinese characters, 4 further tables on 2 folding leaves, postscript at rear. In fine condition. Exceptionally rare, particularly with Marshman's separately printed dissertation present including the tables and charts.
Price: $35,000.00 Item Number: 131224
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“The constancy of the laws of nature, or the certainty with which we may expect the same effects from the same causes, is the foundation of the faculty of reason”: First American Edition of Malthus' An Essay on the Principle of Population
MALTHUS, Thomas Robert [T.R.].
An Essay on the Principle of Population; or, A View of its Past and Present Effects on Human Happiness; with an Inquiry into our Prospects Respecting the Future Removal or Mitigation of the Evils which it Occasions.
Washington: Printed and Published by Roger Chew Weightman, 1809.
First American edition of this cornerstone text of modern economics. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in contemporary calf, rebacked, red and black morocco spine labels, gilt titles. Previous owner’s inscription to front free endpaper, “An application was made to Bishop Watson to answer this book on the grounds that it discouraged benevolence. He declined, excusing himself, however unfavorably saying that he saw its object was to prove that population could not increase beyond the level of rules of self-evident truth. A much better employment would have been to discover means of resistance that might supply the increasing wants of the population.”…
Price: $3,800.00 Item Number: 101490
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"The longest letter signed and entirely in the hand of John Adams obtainable": Exceptionally rare 16-page autograph letter signed by Founding Father John Adams defending the ultimate necessity of American sovereignty
ADAMS, John.
John Adams Autograph Letter Signed.
1809.
Exceptionally rare 16-page autograph letter signed by and entirely in the hand of Founding Father John Adams defending the ultimate necessity of American sovereignty and its precedence over international alliances. Sixteen pages, entirely in the hand of John Adams and written on both the recto and verso of each page, the letter is dated January 9, 1809 and addressed to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Joseph Bradley Varnum. Although France and America shared a strong alliance which proved crucial to winning the Revolutionary War, at the onset of the French Revolution in 1789, Washington's fear that American involvement would…
Price: $125,000.00 Item Number: 121560
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Rare Royal Binding of Intellectual Sentiments, Explained by the Study of Sensations; bound by Charles Meyer of London for the Royal Family
BY A YOUNG LADY,.
Intellectual Sentiments, Explained by the Study of Sensations.
London: Printed For Joseph Booker, 1809.
Rare Royal binding of this very uncommon title. Octavo, bound in full contemporary straight grain morocco by Charles Meyer of London for the Royal Family, gilt titles and Greek key ruling to they spine, elaborate gilt ruling and botanical scrolling to the front and rear panels, gilt central initial 'A' beneath a royal crown to the front panel (likely for Princess Amelia, the youngest daughter of George III), gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, yellow watered silk endleaves and doublures decorated in gilt, all edges gilt, ribbon bound in. Charles Meyer was the bookbinder to George III and his family. With…
Price: $5,500.00 Item Number: 139576
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Rare First Edition of Works of Alexander Hamilton; Including an early edition of The Federalist
HAMILTON, Alexander.
The Works of Alexander Hamilton; Comprising His Most Important Official Reports; An Improved Edition of The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in 1788; and Pacificus.
New York : Williams and Whiting, 1810.
The first collected edition of the works of Alexander Hamilton, with an early printing of The Federalist. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in full calf, three engraved portraits of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay. The first volume contains five of Hamilton's reports as Secretary of the Treasury, volumes II and III are devoted primarily to the Federalist Papers, and include significant additions, incorporating changes based on Hamilton's own notes. Edited by John Wells. In very good condition.
Price: $12,500.00 Item Number: 129659
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Rare First Edition of The History of Printing in America; Signed by Thomas’s grandson, Benjamin Franklin Thomas
THOMAS, Isaiah.
The History of Printing in America.
Worcester: Isaiah Thomas, 1810.
First edition of this work by the famed printer. Octavo, bound in contemporary sheep, morocco spine labels, illustrated with five engraved plates (four folding). Gift inscription of Thomas's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Thomas, on each of the front free endpapers, as well as his signature on title page in first volume. Benjamin Franklin Thomas was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Massachusetts and an associate justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In good condition. Housed in a custom half morocco chemise and clamshell box. Grolier American 29; Howes T 168; Sabin 95495; Streeter 7:4176.
Price: $4,000.00 Item Number: 133261
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Rare Early 19th century printing of Adam Smith's An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
SMITH, Adam.
An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
London: Printed for J. Maynard, Panton Market, Haymarket; and F. Zinske, 448, Strand, 1811.
Early 19th century printing of Adam Smith's ground-breaking analysis of capitalist economics. Octavo, 3 volumes bound in three quarter diced calf over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine. In very god condition. Bookplate to each pastedown, printed bookplate of "A.C. Eustace" pasted over previous owner's name to each title page and additional ownership inscription of A.C. Eustace to the first page of each Table of Contents. Embossed stamp "St. Anselm's College Manchester, N.H. 1889" to each title page.
Price: $2,800.00 Item Number: 142658
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First Edition of The Proceedings of the Government of the United States in Maintaining the Public Right to the Beach of the Missisipi
JEFFERSON, Thomas.
The Proceedings of the Government of the United States in Maintaining the Public Right to the Beach of the Missisipi [sic], adjacent to New-Orleans, against the Intrusion of Edward Livingston.
New York: Ezra Sergeant, 1812.
First edition, one of only 250 copies printed for Jefferson to distribute to senators, congressman and other political figures. Octavo, original wrappers, frontispiece map. Some wear to the wrappers, light dampstaining. Housed in a custom half calf clamshell box. Exceptionally rare.
Price: $12,000.00 Item Number: 84930
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Fine Nineteenth Century Map of the Chinese Empire by Renowned cartographer Conrad Malte-Brun
MALTE-BRUN, Conrad [China].
Empire Chinois et Japon. [Nineteenth Century Conrad Malte-Brun Map of the Chinese Empire] [China].
Paris: 1812.
Fine detailed nineteenth century map of China by Dano-French geographer Conrad Malte-Brun. One page. In near fine condition. Double matted and framed. The entire piece measures 18 inches by 14.75 inches.
Price: $750.00 Item Number: 137350
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Hand-colored engraved nineteenth century Map of China by English cartographer William Darton
DARTON, William [China].
Nineteenth Century Map of China.
London: William Darton, 1812.
Hand-colored engraved nineteenth century Map of China by English cartographer William Darton. One page, hand-colored. In very good condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 14.5 inches.
Price: $750.00 Item Number: 137293
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"The Highest of distinctions is service of others": Royal Coronation Edition of The Book of Common Prayer; Used at the Magnificent Coronation of King George IV at Westminster Abbey in 1821
KING GEORGE IV,.
The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments.
Oxford: Bensley, Cooke, and Collingwood, 1816.
Royal Coronation edition of The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments used at the Coronation of King George IV on July 19th, 1821. Quarto, bound in full dark blue velvet, gilt arms of George IV to both front and rear panels, all edges gilt, housed in a custom locking full morocco clamshell box. From the library of American banker Mortimer L. Schiff, whose renowned collection of fine bindings was sold by Sotheby's in 1938, with his gilt leather bookplate on the front free endpaper. Laid in is a printed copy of Martin Luther's Hymn used in the…
Price: $6,800.00 Item Number: 79456
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EARLY 19TH CENTURY AMERICAN KING JAMES BIBLE; FINELY BOUND BY THE HARCOURT BINDERY
The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and with the Former Translations Diligently Compared and Revised.
New York: American Bible Society, 1816.
Early 19th century American King James Bible. Quarto, bound in half morocco by the Harcourt Bindery with gilt title to the spine, five raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. In near fine condition.
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 143804
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Rare First British Edition of Thomas Paine's Dissertations on Government, the Affairs of the Bank, and Paper-Money
PAINE, Thomas.
Dissertations on Government, the Affairs of the Bank, and Paper Money.
London: Printed by W.T. Sherwin , 1817.
First British edition of Paine's defense of the Bank of North America. Small octavo, bound in modern wrappers. In near fine condition with light toning to the extremities.
Price: $8,200.00 Item Number: 112396
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FIRST EDITION OF RICARDOS FUNDAMENTAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCIENCE OF ECONOMICS: ON THE PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL ECONOMY AND TAXATION
RICARDO, David.
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation.
London: John Murray, 1817.
First edition of David Ricardo’s most important work, a cornerstone of economic theory— one of only 750 copies printed. Octavo, bound in contemporary half calf. Calf lightly rubbed, a near fine example. Rare in contemporary calf. Bookplate of John Hales Calcraft, member of Parliament in the late 18th century.
Price: $60,000.00 Item Number: 4046
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"The inspiration for Theodore Roosevelt's The Naval War of 1812": First edition of William James' A Full and Correct Account of the Chief Naval Occurrences of the Late War Between Great Britain and The United States of America
JAMES, William.
A Full and Correct Account of the Chief Naval Occurrences of the Late War Between Great Britain and The United States of America; Preceded by a Cursory Examination of the American Accounts of Their Naval Actions Fought Previous to That Period.
London: Printed for T. Egerton, 1817.
First edition of James' naval history of the War of 1812, which inspired Theodore Roosevelt's account from the American perspective: The Naval War of 1812. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with gilt ruling to the spine and panels, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, rebacked. In very good condition.
Price: $900.00 Item Number: 132919
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First edition of The Infantry Exercise of the United States Army
POTTER, P.
The Infantry Exercise of the United States Army, Abridged For the Use of the Militia of the United States.
Poughkeepsie: P. & S. Potter, Printers, 1817.
First edition of this classic work of military instruction. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, illustrated with 13 plates. From the library of Ensign Edmond Hopkins of Penn. Service 1813 to 1821 with his ownership inscription. Accompanied by three Civil War era covers and an autograph letter signed dated March 23rd 1864 to James Judson Hall, 28th Regt. Wis. Vols., Co. C, Cairo, IL. Hall, a resident of Oconomowoc, WI, mustered into the 28th Wisconsin Volunteers in August 1862 and mustered out in Brownsville, TX in late August 1865 from E.L. Kellogg. In very…
Price: $2,500.00 Item Number: 132610
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"Nothing contributes so much to the prosperity and happiness of a country as high profits": EXCEEDINGLY RARE FIRST EDITION OF RICARDO’S On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
RICARDO, David.
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation.
London: John Murray, 1817.
First edition of David Ricardo’s most important work, a cornerstone of economic theory— one of only 750 copies printed. Octavo, bound in three quarter leather over contemporary marbled boards, morocco spine labels. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box.
Price: $55,000.00 Item Number: 108367
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Rare French Military Artillery and Fortification Manual with text in manuscript and technical drawings throughout
French Military Artillery and Fortification Manual.
Metz: Ecole Royale de l'Artillerie et du Genie, 1818-19.
Rare early 19th century French military manual created in manuscript for the Ecole Royale de 'Artillerie et du Genie (School of Application of Artillery and Engineering of Metz) containing lessons and technical drawings in the mechanics of artillery and construction of temporary and permanent military fortifications. Quarto, ten volumes bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles to the spine and front panels, text in manuscript with technical drawings throughout. In near fine condition, internally exceptionally clean. A rare and desirable piece of 19th century French military history.
Price: $15,000.00 Item Number: 109852
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Rare first edition of the New Whig Guide; from the library of American Journalist William Safire
[TEMPLE, Henry J.].
The New Whig Guide.
London: W. Wright, 1819.
First edition of this collection of 19th century British political pasquinades. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with with gilt ruling to the spine, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt. From the library of William Safire with his bookplate to the pastedown. William Safire was an important American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter. He joined Nixon’s campaign for the 1960 Presidential race, and again in 1968. After Nixon’s 1968 victory, Safire served as a speechwriter for him and Spiro Agnew. He authored several political columns in addition to his weekly column “On Language” in The New York Times…
Price: $275.00 Item Number: 127865
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First edition of William Hazlitt's Political Essays, with Sketches of Public Characters; From the Library of William Safire
HAZLITT, William.
Political Essays, with Sketches of Public Characters.
London: Printed for William Hone, 1819.
First edition of one of Hazlitt's most interesting collections, including his estimates and reviews of Southey as Laureate, of Coleridge, Burke, and Malthus (at length). Octavo, bound in three quarter morocco with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in five compartments within raised bands, marbled endpapers. From the library of William Safire with his bookplate to the pastedown. William Safire was an important American author, columnist, journalist, and presidential speechwriter. He joined Nixon’s campaign for the 1960 Presidential race, and supported him again in 1968. After Nixon’s 1968 victory, Safire served as a speechwriter for him and Spiro Agnew.…
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 127349
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Adam Smiths Masterpiece The Wealth of Nations; Finely Bound
SMITH, Adam.
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
London: Printed for William Allison & J. Maynard; Edinburgh: W. Blair, 1819.
Early edition of Adam Smith's magnum opus and cornerstone of economic thought. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in contemporary full calf, gilt titles to the spine, red and green spine labels. In near fine condition. An exceptional set of this classic work.
Price: $3,500.00 Item Number: 133843
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"The highest distinction of Venezuela": RARE Order of the Liberators Appointment signed by ‘El Libertador’ Simón Bolívar as President of Venezuela
BOLIVAR, Simón.
Simón Bolívar Signed Order of the Liberators Appointment.
1819.
Rare autograph letter signed by ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar as President of Venezuela. One page, partially printed on Bolívar's presidential letterhead bearing his title, 'Supreme Head of the Republic, Captain-General of the Army of Venezuela and New Granada', the letter is dated January 18 1819 and appoints Lt. Col. Laurencio Silva to the Order of the Liberators, the highest distinction of Venezuela, created by Bolívar in 1813 and awarded for outstanding merit and benefits made to the community under his exclusive authority. Signed by Bolívar in the lower right portion of the appointment. The recipient of the appointment, Jose Laurencio…
Price: $8,200.00 Item Number: 127430
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William P. Dewees' An Essay on the Means of Lessening Pain and Facilitating Certain Cases of Difficult Parturition; in the original publisher's boards
DEWEES, William P.
An Essay on the Means of Lessening Pain, and Facilitating Certain Cases of Difficult Parturition.
Philadelphia: Published by Thomas Dobson and Son, 1819.
Second edition of Dewees' inaugural dissertation for M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania. Octavo, original boards. In good condition.
Price: $400.00 Item Number: 136502
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Two rare printed pamphlets regarding President James Monroe's position on the prohibition of the Slave Trade
MONROE, James.
Message From the President of the United States Stating the Interpretation Which Has Been Given To The Act Entitled “An Act in Addition to the Acts Prohibiting the Slave Trade. [with] A Report of the Committee to Whom was Referred So Much of the President’s Message, of the 7th of December last, as relates to the Suppression of the Slave Trade.
Washington, D.C: Printed by Gales & Seaton, 1819-1826.
Two rare printed pamphlets regarding President James Monroe's position on the prohibition of the Slave Trade. Octavo. In very good condition. Rare.
Price: $1,500.00 Item Number: 132709
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Rare first edition of Thomas Robert Malthus' Principles of Political Economy in the original boards
MALTHUS, Thomas Robert.
Principles of Political Economy, Considered With a View to their Practical Application.
London: John Murray, 1820.
First edition of this classic work regarding nature of labor, demand and profit. Octavo, original boards, retaining the original paper spine label. In very good condition. Ownership inscription from the African Society and stamp to the title page. Rare in the original boards.
Price: $4,200.00 Item Number: 119668
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Finely Bound Set of The Justice of the Peace, and Parish Officer
BURN, Richard and George Chetwynd.
The Justice of the Peace, and Parish Officer.
London: Printed by A. Strahan , 1820.
Finely bound set of this monumental work. Octavo, 5 volumes, bound in contemporary full calf, morocco spine labels. In near fine condition.
Price: $1,250.00 Item Number: 126858
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"It is by attempting to reach the top in a single leap that so much misery is produced in the world": Finely Bound set of William Cobbett's Paper Against Gold and Collective Commentaries
COBBETT, William.
Cobbett’s Paper Against Gold and Collective Commentaries.
London: John M. Cobbett, 1821-1822.
Finely bound example of the political commentaries of late sixteenth century English political figure and pamphleteer William Cobbett. Octavo, two volumes, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, black morocco spine labels, gilt titles and tooling to the spine. In very good condition.
Price: $350.00 Item Number: 81168