Life of George Washington.

IRVING, Washington [George Washington].

Item Number: 138443

G. P. Putnam & Co: New York, 1855-1859.

First edition of Irving’s monumental biography of George Washington. Octavo, bound in three quarter morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles to the spine, raised bands, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, tissue-guarded frontispiece portrait of Washington. In near fine condition with the usual toning to the first few pages of each volume. Near period ownership inscriptions. A very sharp set.

Irving planned his “monumental” Life of Washington as early as 1825, but did not complete the biography until the final years of his life. “This triumph of scholarship crowned an erratic career… which served in many ways to consolidate the culture of the United States and Europe” (Hart, 192). “A popular work; being Irving’s it could not be otherwise” (Sabin 35189).