Gould IV, William B. [Ruth Bader Ginsburg]

Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor.

Stanford : Stanford University Press, 2002.

First edition of this inspirational and thought-provoking family history, from the library of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Octavo, original red cloth, frontispiece portrait of William B. Gould in his veteran’s hat, illustrated with black and white photographs, charts, and maps. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page to associate justice of theContinue reading "Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor."

[Lincoln, Abraham; James Buchanan; Ulysses S. Grant; Rutherford B. Hayes; Andrew Johnson; Franklin Pierce

Presidential Autograph Album Containing the Signatures of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant and Others.

[1877-1880].

Unique 19th-century autograph album containing the signatures of six American presidents, fifteen senators, several cabinet members, and governors including Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, James Buchanan, and Franklin Pierce. Narrow quarto, bound in one quarter period dark brown cloth over stiff marbled wrappers, the autograph album is a repurposed 19th-century caucus record, dating from ca.Continue reading "Presidential Autograph Album Containing the Signatures of Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant and Others."

Douglass, Frederick

My Bondage and Freedom.

New York & Auburn : Miller, Orton, & Mulligan, 1855.

Rare first edition of Douglass’ second autobiography. Octavo, original publisher’s brown cloth stamped in blind with gilt titles to the spine, illustrated with three engraved plates including tissued-engraved frontispiece from the classic daguerreotype of Douglass engraved by John Chester Buttre. In very good condition with light rubbing to the extremities, toning to the frontispiece andContinue reading "My Bondage and Freedom."

Benjamin, Marcus [William Tecumseh Sherman]

Washington During War Time: A Series of Papers Showing the Military, Political, and Social Phases During 1861 to 1865.

Washington City : Committee on Literature for the Encampment, 1902.

Official souvenir of the Thirty-Sixth Annual Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic; from the library of Philemon Tecumseh Sherman. Octavo, original green cloth with gilt titles, frontispiece portrait of Abraham Lincoln, illustrated. P. T. Sherman’s bookplate to the front flyleaf. Presentaton copy, inscribed to Philemon Tecumseh Sherman, “Mr. P. T. Sherman, with cordialContinue reading "Washington During War Time: A Series of Papers Showing the Military, Political, and Social Phases During 1861 to 1865."

Kennedy, John F

Profiles in Courage.

New York : Harper & Brothers, 1956.

First edition of Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Octavo, original half cloth, with eight pages of black-and-white photogravures. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket, inscription to the verso of the front free endpaper. Jack design by Phil Grushkin. Jacket photograph by Hank Walker. An exceptional example.

[William T. Sherman]

The Army Reunion: With Reports of the Meetings of the Societies of The Army of the Cumberland; The Army of the Tennessee; The Army of the Ohio; and The Army of Georgia.

Chicago : S. C. Griggs and Company, 1869.

First edition of this record of post-war social meetings by members of the army; from the library of General William Tecumseh Sherman. Small quarto, bound in full deluxe red morocco stamped in blind with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt centerpiece, gilt inner dentelles, all edges gilt,Continue reading "The Army Reunion: With Reports of the Meetings of the Societies of The Army of the Cumberland; The Army of the Tennessee; The Army of the Ohio; and The Army of Georgia."

Sherman, Thomas H.; with Introduction by Nicholas Murray Butler [William T. Sherman]

Twenty Years with James G. Blaine: Reminiscences by His Private Secretary.

New York : The Grafton Press, 1928.

First edition of this biography of American statesman, Republican politician, and Secretary of State, James G. Blaine, from the observations of his private secretary; from the library of Philemon Tecumseh Sherman. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece portrait of James G. Blaine, illustrated with black and white photographs. P. T. Sherman’s bookplate to the front pastedown beneathContinue reading "Twenty Years with James G. Blaine: Reminiscences by His Private Secretary."

Keller, Hellen

The Story of My Life.

Garden City : Doubleday, Dorian & Company, Inc, 1935.

Later printing of Keller’s autobiography of her early life, particularly detailing her relationship with Anne Sullivan. Octavo, original cloth, engraved frontispiece portrait of Keller after a photograph by Marshall, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by Helen Keller on the front free endpaper, “To Mar with sincere wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year Helen KellerContinue reading "The Story of My Life."

Howard, Benjamin C. [Dred Scott]

A Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John H. Sanford. December Term, 1856.

New York : D. Appleton and Company, 1857.

Rare first edition of the report of the Dred Scott decision which held that the U.S. Constitution was not intended to include citizenship for African Americans, published simultaneously in Washington D.C. and New York. Octavo, original wrappers with a decorative woodcut border. From the library of Judge Roland Hitchcock and signed by him from Winsted,Continue reading "A Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John H. Sanford. December Term, 1856."

Kennedy, John F

President John F. Kennedy Inaugural Event Invitations.

1961.

Group of rare invitations to events surrounding the Kennedy inauguration; from the collection of Helen Keyes, longtime personal assistant for the Kennedy family. The collection includes: An invitation to attend “The Official Distinguished Ladies” reception hosted at the National Gallery by the “Official Hospitality Committee of the Inaugural Committee 1961” on January 18th, 1961; anContinue reading "President John F. Kennedy Inaugural Event Invitations."

[Theodore Roosevelt]

Scribner’s Magazine, Volume 18 XVIII, July-December 1895 [Theodore Roosevelt].

New York : Charles Scribner's Sons, 1895.

Finely bound volume of this early Theodore Roosevelt article. Octavo, bound in three quarter morocco over printed boards with gilt titles to the spine, raised bands. Contents include: Theodore Roosevelt article “Six Years of Civil Service Reform”; article on American posters with many examples; “Landmarks of Manhattan” with six full-page illustrations. In near fine condition.

Reagan, Ronald and John Wayne

Ronald Reagan and John Wayne Signed Letter Collection.

California May 20-26, 1967.

Rare pairing of letters exchanged and signed by President Ronald Reagan as Governor and American actor John Wayne, comprised of a typed letter signed by Wayne to Reagan and Regan’s handwritten draft of his reply. Three pages, 8.5 inches by 11 inches, the typed letter from John Wayne to Reagan is signed “Duke” by Wayne,Continue reading "Ronald Reagan and John Wayne Signed Letter Collection."

Washington, George

George Washington Letter Signed.

Mount Vernon July 28, 1785.

Rare letter signed by George Washington to his land agent in Virginia, Battaile Muse. Quarto, three pages on a single folded leaf, the letter is addressed to Mr. Battaile Muse. The body of the letter, in a secretarial hand, reads in full: “Mount Vernon, July 28, 1785 Sir: A few days ago by a Mr.Continue reading "George Washington Letter Signed."

Roosevelt, Theodore

The Winning of the West.

New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1903.

The Standard Library edition of Roosevelt’s monumental work. Octavo, 4 volumes, original publisher’s cloth with gilt titles and botanical gilt tooling to the spine, gilt topstain, tissue-guarded frontispiece portrait of Roosevelt to volume one, illustrated with folding maps and other plates. Presentation copy, boldly inscribed by Theodore Roosevelt while in The White House on theContinue reading "The Winning of the West."

Douglass, Frederick

Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed.

Washington, D.C November 30, 1888.

Autograph letter signed by Frederick Douglass to M. M. Rodgers. Octavo, one page on Lyons Parchment, the handwritten letter reads in part, “Since you have so much to desire a letter by my own hand, though I have more of that kind of work to do than ought to be required of me, I takeContinue reading "Frederick Douglass Autograph Letter Signed."

McCain, John and Mark Salter

The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations.

New York : Simon & Schuster, 2018.

First edition of this political memoir from Senator McCain, an American hero who reflects on his life and what matters most. Octavo, original boards. Boldly signed by John McCain on the title page. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Jacket design by Jackie Seow. Rare and desirable signed as this memoir was published in MayContinue reading "The Restless Wave: Good Times, Just Causes, Great Fights, and Other Appreciations."

Roosevelt, Theodore

The New Nationalism

New York : The Outlook Company, 1910.

First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Mr. J.E. Rhodes Theodore Roosevelt Jan 19th 1911.” In near fine condition. With an introduction by Ernest Hamlin Abbott.

Miller, Arthur

The Ride Down Mt. Morgan.

New York : Penguin Books, 1992.

First American edition of this incredibly entertaining play. Octavo, original black half cloth. Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket photograph by Inge Morath.

Ward, Geoffrey C. and Ken Burns [Doris Kearns Goodwin]

Baseball: An Illustrated History.

New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1994.

First edition of this companion book to the classic documentary series. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated endpapers, illustrated throughout. Boldly signed by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin on the title page. Kearns Goodwin served as a commentor in the series. Fine in a fine dust jacket.

Kennedy, John F

Profiles in Courage.

New York : Harper & Brothers, 1956.

First edition of Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize-winning work. Octavo, original half cloth, with eight pages of black-and-white photogravures. Near fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket. Jack design by Phil Grushkin. Jacket photograph by Hank Walker. Uncommon in this condition.

Jennings, Peter and Todd Brewster

The Century.

New York : Doubleday, 1998.

First edition of this historic overview of the twentieth century. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated throughout. Signed by both authors, Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster. Fine in a fine dust jacket.

[Hamilton, Alexander; James Madison; John Jay]

The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, As Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787.

New York : Printed and Sold by J. and A. McLean, 1788.

First edition of The Federalist, one of the rarest and most significant books in American political history. 12mo, two volumes bound into one in half calf over marbled boards with raised bands, gilt titles to the spine. In very good condition with light toning to the pages. Text blocks trimmed. Housed in a custom halfContinue reading "The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, As Agreed Upon by the Federal Convention, September 17, 1787."

[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.

Washington, George

George Washington Autograph Diary Leaf.

[Mount Vernon] March 1762.

Autograph manuscript, being George Washington’s diary entries for a portion of March 1762, detailing the fruit grafts that he has accomplished. 2 pages (5 14/16 x 3 10/16 inches, irregular) on a leaf of laid paper, [Mount Vernon], March 1762; browned, left margin of recto waterstained and abraded causing a loss of text in mostContinue reading "George Washington Autograph Diary Leaf."

[Watson, Elkanah] [George Washington]

Tour in Holland in MDCCLXXXIV. By an American.

Printed at Worcester, Massachusetts : Isaiah Thomas, 1790.

First edition, presentation copy of a scarce volume from George Washington’s library at Mount Vernon. Octavo, bound in full contemporary sheep with pine gilt in six compartments within raised bands, burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt, type-ornament title-page vignette, head and tailpieces. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author to George Washington on the frontContinue reading "Tour in Holland in MDCCLXXXIV. By an American."

[Grant, Ulysses S.; Hamilton Fish; William Tecumseh Sherman; et al]

Ulysses S. Grant Treaty of Washington Signed Document Collection.

.

Rare collection of documents related to the 1871 Treaty of Washington including signatures of all of the key figures involved in its signing including President Ulysses S. Grant, his Secretary of State Hamilton Fish and the British delegation led by George Robinson, Earl de Grey and Ripon. The collection was assembled by Frederic Daustini Cremer who acted asContinue reading "Ulysses S. Grant Treaty of Washington Signed Document Collection."

Shea, John Galmary

Early Voyages Up and Down the Mississippi, by Cavelier, Dt. Cosme, Le Sueur, Gravier, and Guignas.

Albany : Joel Munsell, 1861.

Limited edition of Shea’s important history of the early explorers of the Mississippi, printed for subscribers. Octavo, bound in half morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles to the spine, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Bradford 4933; Field 1395; Sabin 80003. Provenance: from the library of American businessman James Phinney Baxter (1831-1921) of Portland, MaineContinue reading "Early Voyages Up and Down the Mississippi, by Cavelier, Dt. Cosme, Le Sueur, Gravier, and Guignas."

Franklin, Benjamin

Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates.

London : Printed for David Henry; and sold by Francis Newbery, at the Corner of St. Paul's Church-Yard, 1769.

First complete edition of “the most important scientific book of eighteenth-century America” (PMM), inscribed by Benjamin Franklin to prominent Pennsylvania Quaker and merchant Thomas Livezey, Jr. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt turn-ins. IllustratedContinue reading "Experiments and Observations on Electricity, Made at Philadelphia in America, by Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D. and F.R.S. To which are added, Letters and Papers on Philosophical Subjects. The Whole corrected, methodized, improved, and now first collected into one Volume, and Illustrated with Copper Plates."

Whitman, Walt

Leaves of Grass.

Camden, New Jersey : Author's Edition [Walt Whitman], 1882.

The Author’s edition of the most important and influential volume of poetry written in America; one of probably fewer than 100 copies produced with the inclusion of the “sexual odes” at Whitman’s insistence. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, illustrated with two full-page engraved portraits of Whitman at different ages. Boldly signed by Walt Whitman on theContinue reading "Leaves of Grass."

Rowson [Susanna Haswell]

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth.

Hartford : Published by Silas Andrus, 1827.

Early American printing of the first American bestseller, first published in 1794. 16mo, half calf over wooden boards, gilt-lettered spine, woodcut frontispiece. In good condition, assuming boards were once paper-covered, the paper has since entirely perished; shallow loss along top edge of both covers, lacking rear endpaper, 20th century rubberstamp to front pastedown. Rare.

[Andrew Hutchins Mickle]

Rules and Regulations for Day and Night Police of the City of New York; with Instructions as to The Legal Powers and Duties of Policemen.

New-York : Printed by Casper C. Childs, 1846.

Second edition of the first City Police handbook published in the United States. 16 mo, bound in full contemporary sheep stamped in blind, index. Signed by the 67th Mayor of New York City Andrew Hutchins Mickle twice on his mayoral dedication page and additionally on the pastedown of the rear panel. Andrew Hutchins Mickle servedContinue reading "Rules and Regulations for Day and Night Police of the City of New York; with Instructions as to The Legal Powers and Duties of Policemen."

Remington, Frederic

The Way of the Indian.

New York : Fox Duffield & Company, 1906.

First edition, first state with page 9 numbered of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. In very good condition. First editions are uncommon.

Kelly, Fred C.; Introduction by Orville Wright

The Wright Brothers.

New York : Harcourt, Brace and Company, 1943.

First edition of this classic American biography authorized by Orville Wright and long considered the definitive Wright biography. Octavo, original blue cloth, illustrated with 16 pages of photographs. Presentation copy, inscribed by Orville Wright in the year of publication on the half-title page, “To Edward with affectionate regards. Orville Wright May 4, 1943.” Near fineContinue reading "The Wright Brothers."

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

The Writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Cambridge : The Riverside Press, 1896.

The Large Paper Author’s Autograph edition of the writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Octavo, 16 volumes bound in three quarter crushed levant pigskin with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. Signed by Harriet Beecher Stowe on the limitation page ‘Specially For ThisContinue reading "The Writings of Harriet Beecher Stowe."

Dorr, Thomas W

Thomas Wilson Dorr Signed January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings Document.

January 20,1841.

Rare manuscript copy of the proceedings of the January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention, signed by Chairman Thomas W. Dorr. Octavo, one page, the document reads, “Resolutions. Resolved, That the members of the Convention must cordially concur in the strong recommendations of William Ennis for the post of paymaster in the Army, or purser inContinue reading "Thomas Wilson Dorr Signed January 20th 1841 Democratic Republican Convention Proceedings Document."

[Earhart, Amelia]

Amelia Earhart Signed Oldsmobile Girls Club Christmas Party Program.

[Lansing, Michigan] [1928].

Rare original program from the holiday luncheon held for female employees of Olds Motor Works held on December 19th 1928, signed by legendary aviator Amelia Earhart. Octavo, bound in handmade tissue paper with a red ribbon, illustrated with a tipped in portrait of Amelia Earhart. Signed by Earhart in pencil beneath her portrait. In veryContinue reading "Amelia Earhart Signed Oldsmobile Girls Club Christmas Party Program."

Kennedy, John F

The Strategy of Peace.

New York : Harper & Brothers, 1960.

First edition of the selected foreign policy speeches and statements on defense, peace, and national security delivered by Kennedy during his 1960 presidential campaign. Octavo, original pictorial wrappers. From the library of John F. Kennedy with his ownership stamp to the half-title page, “Senator John F. Kennedy.” In near fine condition. Housed in a customContinue reading "The Strategy of Peace."

King, Jr., Martin Luther

Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1958.

First edition, early printing of Dr. Martin Luther King’s first book. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery 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 stamp-signed by the Harcourt Bindery, marbled endpapers, all edgesContinue reading "Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story."

[Smucker, Samuel Mosheim]

The Yankee Slave Driver; or, The Black and White Rivals.

Philadelphia : G.G. Evans, 1858.

Early printing of this early American abolitionist novel set in Louisiana and attributed to Samuel Smucker. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, recased, illustrated. In very good condition. Reinforced interior hinges. Rare.

Collins., Mrs. Jane S

Free At Last.

Pittsburgh : Press of Murdoch, Kerr & Co., Incorporated, 1896.

First edition of this semi-historical civil rights narrative by Jane S. Collins, whose husband ran the first racially-integrated school in Indiana during the Civil War. Octavo, original cloth with gilt titles to the spine, illustrated with frontispiece and 15 plates. In very good condition. Ownership inscription. Rare.

Nielsen, Svend Aage. [John F. Kennedy; Rose Kennedy]

Kennedy’s Philosophy of Life: Revolution of Love and Visions of Peace.

New York : Vantage Press, 1981.

First edition of this work by the founder of The Kennedy Society of Denmark. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, lengthily inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “Toreby Denmark February 2, 1982. Dear Mrs. Rose Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy cared so much for peace. Therefore I hope, you will find thisContinue reading "Kennedy’s Philosophy of Life: Revolution of Love and Visions of Peace."

Plimpton, George. [Editor]. Interviews by Jean Stein [Edward M. Kennedy]

American Journey: The Times of Robert Kennedy.

New York : Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc, 1970.

First edition of this remarkable biography of Robert F. Kennedy, based on interviews by Jean Stein and edited by George Plimpton. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by George Plimpton on the front free endpaper to Robert Kennedy’s youngest brother, Ted Kennedy, “To Senator Kennedy with great admiration and best wishes, George.” The recipient, TedContinue reading "American Journey: The Times of Robert Kennedy."

[Society of the Cincinnati]

Proceedings of the General Society of the Cincinnati [with] Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati, Formed by the Officers of the American Army of the Revolution, 1783.

New York : Printed for the Society by Douglas Taylor, 1886/ Philadelphia: Review Printing House, 1887.

First editions of two official publications of the Society of the Cincinnati, a valuable resource on the Revolutionary institution. Quarto, two volumes uniformly bound in three quarter contemporary morocco over marbled boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, top edges gilt, marbled endpapers. The two-volume collectionContinue reading "Proceedings of the General Society of the Cincinnati [with] Institution of the Society of the Cincinnati, Formed by the Officers of the American Army of the Revolution, 1783."

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Or, Life Among the Lowly.

Boston : John P. Jewett & Company. Cleveland: Jewett, Proctor & Worthington, 1852.

First edition, first issue of Stowe’s classic American novel, widely considered the book that precipitated the American Civil War. Octavo, two volumes in the original publisher’s cloth stamped in blind with gilt titles and vignettes to the front panels, illustrated with title vignettes and six wood-engravings. BAL’s binding B (no priority). Portrait of Stowe tippedContinue reading "Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Or, Life Among the Lowly."

Mayer, Brantz

Captain Canot; or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver. Being an Account of the Career and Adventures on the Coast, in the Interior, on Shipboard, and in the West Indies.

New York : D. Appleton and Company, 1854.

First edition, first issue of the historian’s detailed account of the African slave trade. First issue with with page 191 misprinted as 19. Octavo, recased with the original publisher’s cloth laid down, additional vignette title. In very good condition, hinges reinforced and rebacked.

Walter Browning; or, The Slave’s Protector. Founded on Fact.

Cincinnati : American Reform Tract and Book Store, 1856.

First edition of this anti-slavery tract. 12mo, original publisher’s cloth, yellow endpapers, engraved frontispiece. In very good condition. Ownership inscription. Uncommon.

Harper’s Weekly, A Journal of Civilization. [Harper’s Weekly’s Complete Coverage of the American Civil War: January 1, 1861-December 30, 1865].

New York : Harper & Brothers, January 1, 1861-December 30, 1865.

Rare continuous run of 260 issues of Harper’s Weekly, covering the entirety of the American Civil War. Folio, five volumes, bound in full buckram with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, illustrated with hundreds of wood-engraved illustrations, many from noted American illustrators including portraits of Union and Confederate Army Generals and Officers, battlefield scenes, maps, cityContinue reading "Harper’s Weekly, A Journal of Civilization. [Harper’s Weekly’s Complete Coverage of the American Civil War: January 1, 1861-December 30, 1865]."

Edwards, Jonathan

Two Dissertations, I. Concerning the End For Which God Created the World. II. The Nature of True Virtue.

Boston : S. Kneeland, 1765.

First edition of this important work by Edwards. Small octavo, bound in half calf over marbled boards, raised bands, morocco spine label. In very good condition. Rare.