| Charles Stedman — The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War |
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The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War |
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2 volumes. 4to., (10 6/8 x 8 inches). Half-titles. 15 fine engraved maps and plans, including 11 folding, and one with an over-flap (browned). Contemporary tree calf, each panel decorated in gilt with a foliate border, smooth spines gilt-ruled in six compartments, red morocco lettering-piece in the second and black morocco lettering-piece in the fourth, the others decorated with fine small gilt tool of Roman military uniform and helmet (expertly rebacked preserving the original spine and corners strengthened). Provenance: 19th-century engraved armorial bookplate of Lion rampant on the front paste-down of each volume. "THE BEST CONTEMPORARY ACCOUNT OF THE REVOLUTION WRITTEN FROM THE BRITISH SIDE" (Sabin). First edition of the cornerstone of American Revolutionary War literature. Stedman, who served under Howe, Clinton and Cornwallis, describes many of the major battle-fields from first hand knowledge: from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. The fine and detailed maps and plans, show the sieges of Savannah and Charlestown, and the battles of Yorktown, Saratoga, Camden, Guilford and Hobkirk's Hill. Howes S914; JCB II:372; Lowndes V, p.2504; Sabin 91057; Winsor VI, p.518. Purchased at Bonhams, 27th March 2007, lot 307. |
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