Edward, David Barnett

The History of Texas; or, The Emigrant’s, Farmer’s, and Politician’s Guide to the Character, Climate, Soil and Productions of That Country.

Cincinnati : Stereotyped and Published by J. A. James & Co., 1836.

First edition of “one of the essential Texas books” (Streeter), published the year the Republic of Texas became a sovereign nation, and with the rarely seen hand-colored map of the state. Octavo, bound in three quarters late 19th-century black morocco over brown cloth-covered boards, stamped in blind and in gilt, patterned endpapers, hand-colored folding map map of Texas tipped in before the title page. “The map shows towns, rivers,Continue reading "The History of Texas; or, The Emigrant’s, Farmer’s, and Politician’s Guide to the Character, Climate, Soil and Productions of That Country."

Tucker, George; [Thomas Jefferson]

The Life of Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States; With Parts of His Correspondence Never Before Published, and Notices of his Opinions on Questions of Civil Government, National Policy, and Constitutional Law.

London : Charles Knight and Co, 1837.

First British edition of this classic biography of the United States’ third president, published simultaneously with the American edition in Philadelphia. Royal octavo, original publisher’s cloth, tissue-guarded frontispiece portrait of Thomas Jefferson to Vol. I, largely uncut. In very good condition with some sunning to the spine, bookplate to the front free endpaper of bothContinue reading "The Life of Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States; With Parts of His Correspondence Never Before Published, and Notices of his Opinions on Questions of Civil Government, National Policy, and Constitutional Law."

[Jefferson, Thomas]

Constitution of the United States of America: Rules of the House of Representatives, Joint Rules of the Two Houses and Rules of the Senate, with Jefferson’s Manual.

Washington : Thomas Allen, Printer to the House, 1837.

First edition of the official compilation of United States congressional procedures, incorporating Thomas Jefferson’s Manual of Parliamentary Practice together with the governing rules of the House of Representatives, Senate, and the joint rules of Congress. Royal octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, black morocco spine label lettered in gilt. Sabin 16106. In very good condition,Continue reading "Constitution of the United States of America: Rules of the House of Representatives, Joint Rules of the Two Houses and Rules of the Senate, with Jefferson’s Manual."

Sunderland, Reverend La Roy

Anti-Slavery Manual, Containing a Collection of Facts and Arguments on American Slavery.

New York : Printed by S.W. Benedict, 1839.

Rare early, improved edition of this prominent religious leader’s influential call for America to end slavery. Duodecimo, contemporary brown paper boards. In very good condition, signatures to the front free endpaper.

Paley, William [William Tecumseh Sherman]

The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy.

New York : Collins, Keese, & Co, 1839.

Later edition of this classic book on moral and political philosophy; used by William Tecumseh Sherman while a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Octavo, original calf. General Sherman and his son’s bookplates to the front pastedown. Intentionally scratched with “S” multiple times on the front panel by General Sherman. InscribedContinue reading "The Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy."

Report From The Secretary of War, Transmitting, In Compliance with a Resolution of the Senate, the Report of the Commissioner to Investigate Claims Against the Miami Indians, with a Statement of Expense of Said Commission, &c. March 2, 1839.

1839-1886.

Rare sammelband collection of three Congressional Reports regarding the Miami Indian Treaties. Octavo, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt to the spine and front panel, marbled endpapers. The collection includes: Report From The Secretary of War, Transmitting, In Compliance with a Resolution of the Senate, the ReportContinue reading "Report From The Secretary of War, Transmitting, In Compliance with a Resolution of the Senate, the Report of the Commissioner to Investigate Claims Against the Miami Indians, with a Statement of Expense of Said Commission, &c. March 2, 1839."

Channing, William E.; Harriet Martineau

Lectures on the Elevation of the Labouring Portion of the Community.

Boston : Published by William D. Ticknor, 1840.

First edition of this collection of three important essays on slavery, the poor, and social change, written by Channing and Martineau, two major Unitarian reformers. Duodecimo, bound in nineteenth century half black sheep over marble covered boards with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, all edges red speckled. In very good condition.

Audubon, John James

The Birds of America, From Drawings Made In The United States And Their Territories.

New York : Published by J. J. Audubon. Philadelphia: J. B. Chevalier, 1840-1844.

First octavo edition of Audubon’s landmark work; one of the most spectacular collections of ornithological prints ever produced. Royal octavo, 7 volumes bound in full 19th-century morocco by P. Low of Boston with their ticket, gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt ruling to the front andContinue reading "The Birds of America, From Drawings Made In The United States And Their Territories."

Mather, William Williams

Geological Map of Long & Staten Islands with the Environs of New York From the Topographical Surveys of J. Calvin Smith.

New York 1842.

Rare hand-colored example of Mather’s monumental pre-Civil War wall map of Long Island, the finest and largest map of Long Island of the period. One page, two sheets joined from the topographical surveys of J. Calvin Smith, and lithographed by Endicott. Issued with Mather’s 1843 Geology of New York, the map offers fine detail ofContinue reading "Geological Map of Long & Staten Islands with the Environs of New York From the Topographical Surveys of J. Calvin Smith."

Walker, R. J.; Jas. Shields

Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office. Letter From the Secretary of the Treasury, Transmitting The Annual Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office. December 8, 1845. Document No. 12, 29th Congress, 1st Session.

1845.

Rare printing of the 1845 annual report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office of the United States of America. Octavo, disbound. Contains numerous folding maps and public surveys of Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, South Tennessee, Southeastern Louisiana, Alabama (showing Chickasaw, Cherokee, and Creek Cessions), and the State of Florida. InContinue reading "Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office. Letter From the Secretary of the Treasury, Transmitting The Annual Report of the Commissioner of the General Land Office. December 8, 1845. Document No. 12, 29th Congress, 1st Session."

Spooner, Alden

The Cultivation of American Grape Vines and Making of Wine.

Brooklyn : A Spooner & Co, 1846.

First edition of one of the earliest American books on wine making. Small octavo, original cloth. In very goo condition condition with 12 page corners torn. Rare; the last example at auction was in 1984.

[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."

Jay, William

A Review of the Causes and Consequences of the Mexican War.

Boston : Benjamin B. Mussey & Co, 1849.

Second edition of American abolitionist and jurist William Jay’s classic antiwar treatise. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth, gilt titles to the spine. In good condition with some wear to the crown and foot of the spine.

Godey, Louis Antoine

Godey’s Lady’s Book for 1850.

Philadelphia : L.A. Godey, 1850.

Finely bound example of this 19th-century American magazine known for its collection of poetry, illustrations, and articles by prominent female authors and artists. Octavo, volume 40, bound in three quarters contemporary calf with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, profusely illustrated with engraving, music sheets, and embroidery and costume plans. In very good condition.

Webster, Daniel

The Works of Daniel Webster.

Boston : Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851.

The subscriber’s edition of the works of Daniel Webster, signed by Webster in the first volume. Octavo, 6 volumes, bound in original cloth, frontispiece, and one other plate. In near fine condition.

Melville, Herman

Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1851.

First edition, first issue binding of Melville’s masterpiece. Octavo, original red variant cloth (BAL’s A grain), covers stamped in blind with Harper’s circular device at the center of the front panel within a heavy blind ruled frame, plain orange endpapers. Issued in a single volume, in black, green, blue, red, purple, slate or brown cloth,Continue reading "Moby-Dick; Or, The Whale."

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

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

Boston and Cleveland : John P. Jewett & Company, 1852.

First edition, first issue, with “spilt” (rather than “spiled”) in Volume I, 42, line 1; “cathecism” (rather than “catechism”) in volume II, 74, line 5; and all other first issue points of the author’s classic work. Octavo, 2 volumes, bound in contemporary three quarters leather over cloth, gilt titles to the spine, volume with titleContinue reading "Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Or, Life Among the Lowly."

Sidney, J.C

Map of the City and Vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts.

Boston : J.B. Shields, 1852.

A stunning and uncommon large map of Boston with a fine depiction of the harbor. Two small vignettes in the upper border provide views of the State House and Faneuil Hall. Lithographed map with hand-color on two large sheets joined. The map is in very good condition with areas of dampstaining. Framed. The entire pieceContinue reading "Map of the City and Vicinity of Boston, Massachusetts."

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

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

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

First edition of Stowe’s classic and vastly influential novel, “the social impact was greater than any book before or since.” Octavo, two volumes bound in mid-20th century three quarter navy morocco over marbled boards by Blackwell with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, marbled endpapers, top edgesContinue reading "Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Or, Life Among the Lowly."

[Goepp, Charles]

E Pluribus Unum. A Political Tract on Kossuth and America.

Philadelphia : Published by F. W. Thomas, 1852.

Rare first edition of Goepp’s criticism of Kossuth. Octavo, bound in full cloth. Deaccessioned from the Library of Congress with the library’s bookplate and stamp to the pastedown. In good condition. Rare.

Stowe, Harriet Beecher

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

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

First edition, first issue of the author’s classic work. Octavo, two volumes, bound in full brown morocco with gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, double gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, top edges gilt, gilt inner dentelles, striped endpapers, illustrated with title vignettes and sixContinue reading "Uncle Tom’s Cabin; Or, Life Among the Lowly."

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."

A Carolinian. [Pringle, Edward J.]

Slavery in the Southern States.

Cambridge : John Bartlett, 1852.

First edition of Pringle’s pro-slavery tract. Octavo, original wrappers. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front panel, “Mr. Norton With respects of the Author.” In near fine condition. Scarce signed.

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.