Crane, Stephen. Irving Bacheller, Post Wheeler, John Langdon Heaton

The Lanthorn Book: Being a Small Collection of Tales and Verses Read at The Sign o’ the Lanthorn.

New York : 126 William Street, 1898.

Signed limited edition, this is number 47. Quarter, original half cloth. Signed by Stephen Crane at the conclusion of his contribution, The Wise Men. Also signed by the other contributors. While it was the intention of the club to have each contributor sign his piece, Crane did not sign all 125 examples, as he diedContinue reading "The Lanthorn Book: Being a Small Collection of Tales and Verses Read at The Sign o’ the Lanthorn."

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.

Washington, George

George Washington Autograph Letter Signed.

January 24, 1790.

Rare autograph letter signed by George Washington as the first President of the United States. Quarto, one page, the letter reads in full, “New York Jany 24th 1790 Sir Capt. Burnett delivered me your letter of the 18th and is so obliging as to take charge of this answer – It is my sincere opinionContinue reading "George Washington Autograph Letter Signed."

Wilson, Woodrow

A History of the American People.

New York : Harper & Brothers Publishers, 1918.

The Documentary edition of this classic work. Octavo, 10 volumes, three quarters morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, raised bands, top edge gilt, marble endpapers, contains numerous plates and illustrations. In very good condition.

Douglass, Frederick

Frederick Douglass Signed Property Deed.

Washington, D.C March 23, 1885.

Rare real estate document signed by famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass as Recorder of Deeds for Washington, D.C. One page, partially printed, the property deed agreement is signed by Douglass, “Fredk. Douglass” as Recorder of Deeds, certifying a deed transferring a plot of land in Washington, DC, from Joseph C.G. Kennedy to Thomas D. Bond. Following the Civil War, Douglass received numerousContinue reading "Frederick Douglass Signed Property Deed."

Lee, Robert E

Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite.

Lexington, Va : Boude & Miley, [1869].

Rare Reconstruction era carte-de-visite portrait of former Confederate commander General Robert E. Lee in civilian attire, boldly signed “RE Lee.” The carte-de-visite measures 2.5 inches by 4 inches with Boude & Miley’s imprint on the verso. This striking postwar portrait of Lee was captured by photographer Michael Miley of Lexington, Virginia in 1869, perhaps lessContinue reading "Robert E. Lee Signed Carte-de-Visite."

King, Jr. Martin Luther. Editor's note by Ed Clayton

The SCLC Story in Words and Pictures.

Atlanta, Georgia : Southern Christian Leadership Conference, 1964.

First edition, first printing of The SCLC Story containing one of the first appearances in print of Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream Speech. Quarto, original illustrated wrappers as issued, illustrated with photographs including a full-page photograph of King, photographs of the officers, executive board, regional, and secretarial staffs of the SCLC. SignedContinue reading "The SCLC Story in Words and Pictures."

Adams, Henry [Editor].

Documents Relating to New-England Federalism. 1800-1815.

Boston : Little, Brown, and Company, 1877.

First edition of the Pulitzer Prize-winning historian’s work on the rise of Federalism in 19th century New England. Octavo, original publisher’s cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper in the month of publication, “With the respects of Henry Adams For Mr. Corcoran’s birthday Dec. 1877.” The recipient, William Wilson Corcoran,Continue reading "Documents Relating to New-England Federalism. 1800-1815."

Lindbergh, Charles A

We.

New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1927.

First edition of Lindbergh’s definitive autobiography. Octavo, original pictorial cloth, pictorial endpapers, illustrated. Near fine in the rare original dust jacket and glassine.

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. From the library of PT Boat Captain William J. (Wild Bill) Barrett, from Great Barrington, Massachusetts with his name and date 2/1/56 on the front endpaper. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jack design by PhilContinue reading "Profiles in Courage."

Hughes, Langston and Milton Meltzer

A Pictorial History of the Negro in America.

New York : Crown Publishers, Inc, 1956.

First edition of this important compilation on the history of African Americans. Quarto, original half cloth, illustrated. Boldly signed by Langston Hughes and Milton Meltzer on the front free endpaper. Near fine in a very good price-clipped dust jacket. Uncommon 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, early issue of the historian’s detailed account of the African slave trade without the misprint on page 191. Octavo, bound in contemporary calf, rebacked, additional vignette title. In very good condition, hinges reinforced.

Kennedy, John F

John F. Kennedy Unsmoked Cigar.

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Rare unopened cigar given to 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy by a Philippine Ambassador to the United States, handsomely presented with a portrait of Kennedy. The Coronas Alhambra cigar is mounted in a shadowbox opening and is still stored in a cellophane sheath printed in gold lettering: “Specially Made For President Kennedy.” Under itsContinue reading "John F. Kennedy Unsmoked Cigar."

King Jr., Martin Luther

Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.

New York : Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1958.

First edition of Dr. Martin Luther King’s first book. Octavo, bound in full morocco by the Harcourt Bindery, gilt titles and ruling to the spine, raised bands, gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated. In fine condition. An exceptional presentation.

[Hudson, Henry]

A Chaplain’s Campaign with Gen. Butler.

New-York : Printed For The Author, 1865.

First edition of Henry Hudson’s account of his imprisonment after publishing his hostile criticism of Butler’s military policy in the New York Evening Post. Octavo, modern cloth. Hudson served during the Civil War from 1862 to 1865 as chaplain of the 1st New York Volunteer Engineers, as well as war correspondent for the New YorkContinue reading "A Chaplain’s Campaign with Gen. Butler."

Brockett, L. P., MD, and Vaughn, Mary C

Woman’s Work in the Civil War: A Record of Heroism, Patriotism, and Patience.

Philadelphia : Zeigler, McCurdy, 1867.

First edition of this major early history of Civil War women, published only two years after the war’s end, with authoritative accounts of groundbreaking work by Clara Barton and over 80 field nurses. Thick octavo, original cloth, illustrated with 16 steel-engraved portraits and a contributing essay by Harriet Beecher Stowe. In near fine condition. AContinue reading "Woman’s Work in the Civil War: A Record of Heroism, Patriotism, and Patience."

Ludlam, Stephen [Wall Street]

Early American Wall Street Survey Map.

April 8, 1817.

Rare 1817 hand-colored copy of an original map of early 18th century Wall Street attached to a Deed of Partition between Col. Abraham de Peyster and Samuel Bayard dated January 3rd 1718, copied on April 8th 1817 by Stephen Ludlam, City Surveyor. One page, the hand-colored map details the intersection of Wall Street, Broad Street,Continue reading "Early American Wall Street Survey Map."

Truman, Harry S

The Economic Reports of the President: As Transmitted to the Congress January 1948, January 1947, July 1947.

New York : Reynal & Hitchcock, 1948.

First edition of this compilation of three of Truman’s most memorable economic reports. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by the author opposite the title page, “Most sincerely Harry Truman.” Introduction by President Truman’s Council of Economic Advisers. Near fine in the rare original dust jacket which is price-clipped and in very good condition. Housed in aContinue reading "The Economic Reports of the President: As Transmitted to the Congress January 1948, January 1947, July 1947."

Washington, George; John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; James Madison; Andrew Jackson; Martin Van Buren; William Henry Harrison; James Tyler; James H. Polk; James Buchanan; Zachary Taylor; Millard Fillmore; James Buchanan; Franklin Pierce; Abraham Lincoln; William Seward; Andrew Johnson; Ulysses S. Grant; James Garfield; Chester A. Arthur; Grover Cleveland; Benjamin Harrison; Grover Cleveland; William McKinley; Alexander Hamilton

Autograph Album of the Presidents and Cabinet Officials of the United States of America.

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Rare late 19th century folio album containing an extensive collection of Presidential autographs, letters, carte-de-visites, and portraits in addition to those of each Cabinet. Folio, bound in three quarter morocco with five raised bands and gilt titles to the spine. The album contains: a clipped signature of President George Washington with a four-page letter ofContinue reading "Autograph Album of the Presidents and Cabinet Officials of the United States of America."

Eisenhower, Dwight D

A History of the 90th Division in World War II: 6 June 1944 to 9 May 1945.

Baton Rouge, LA : Army & Navy Publishing Company , 1946.

First edition of this work on the 90th division in World II. Quarto, original leatherette boards, cartographic endpapers, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by General Dwight Eisenhower on the title page, “To Skippe Sheppard Best wishes from Dwight D. Eisenhower.” The recipient, Captain Harlo John Sheppard was in the 712th Tank Division, with his name andContinue reading "A History of the 90th Division in World War II: 6 June 1944 to 9 May 1945."

Franklin, Benjamin

Mémoires de la Vie Privée de Benjamin Franklin, Écrits Par Lui-Même, et Adressés à Son Fils, Suivis d’un Précis Historique de Sa Vie Politique, et de Plusieurs Pièces, Relatives à Ce Père de la Liberté. [Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin].

Paris : Chez Buisson, Libraire, 1791.

True first edition of the first part of Franklin’s famed autobiography which preceded the first English edition by two years. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf with a morocco spine label lettered in gilt, elaborate period gilt tooling to the spine, ribbon bound in. In very good condition. A nice example.

Rhodes, James Ford [William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt]

The McKinley and Roosevelt Administrations 1897-1909.

New York : The Macmillan Company, 1922.

First edition of Rhodes’ authoritative work on the McKinley and Roosevelt Administrations. Octavo, bound in full morocco by Zaehnsdorf, gilt titles and ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated. In fine condition.

Muir, John

Travels in Alaska.

Boston : Houghton Mifflin Company, 1915.

First edition of the author’s classic work. Octavo, original grey cloth lettered in white, color illustrated paper cover label, top edge gilt. Illustrated with several plates from photographs, including frontispiece with tissue-guard. Near fine in near fine dust jacket with a few small chips. The nicest example we have seen of the rare dust jacket.

[Washington; George; Benjamin Franklin]

The Apotheosis of Franklin and Washington Printed Textile.

c. 1785-1790.

Rare copperplate-printed toile fragment from the popular eighteenth-century English pattern “The Apotheosis of Franklin and Washington.” The fragment features a copper-plate printed portrait of Benjamin Franklin in academic robes and his famous cap after the famed 1777 portrait of him by Jean-Baptiste holding the ends of a banner reading “Where liberty dwells there is myContinue reading "The Apotheosis of Franklin and Washington Printed Textile."

[Grant, Ulysses S.]

Hymns of the Ages: Second Series. Being Selections From Wither, Crashaw, Southwell, Harington, and Other Sources.

Boston : Ticknor and Fields, 1865.

First edition of the second series of Hymns of the Ages, from the library of Ulysses S. Grant. Octavo, bound in full pebbled morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, all edges gilt, marbled endpapers, tissue-guarded frontispiece. From the library of UlyssesContinue reading "Hymns of the Ages: Second Series. Being Selections From Wither, Crashaw, Southwell, Harington, and Other Sources."

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.Continue reading "Family Secrets: By Mr. Pratt. Volume III. [From the Library of George Washington]."

Hoover, Herbert

The Ordeal of Woodrow Wilson.

New York : McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1958.

First edition of this classic work. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Hugh Kelly with the good wishes of Herbert Hoover.” Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket design by H. Lawrence Hoffman. First editions are uncommon signed and inscribed.

Lincoln, Abraham

Political Debates Between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen Douglas, In the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois.

Columbus : Follett, Foster and Company, 1860.

First edition, first issue of the most famous debates in American history which cemented Lincoln as a national presidential candidate; inscribed by Lincoln in pencil to close friend Martin S. Morris and accompanied by the table from the Morris household that Lincoln signed the book on. Octavo, original cloth stamped in blind. First issue, withContinue reading "Political Debates Between Hon. Abraham Lincoln and Hon. Stephen Douglas, In the Celebrated Campaign of 1858, in Illinois."

Mitchell Jr., S. Augustus

County Map of Florida and Map of South Carolina.

Clerk's Office of the District Court of the U.S. for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 1860.

First edition of Samuel Augustus Mitchell Jr.’s map of the states of Florida and South Carolina, published in Mitchell’s New General Atlas, Containing Maps Of The Various Countries Of The World, Plans Of Cities, Etc. Embraced In Forty-Seven Quarto Maps, Forming A Series Of Seventy-Six Maps And Plans, Together With Valuable Statistical Tables. Philadelphia. OneContinue reading "County Map of Florida and Map of South Carolina."

Whitney, John F

St. Augustine, Florida. Its Advantages as a Winter Residence for Invalids and Northern Tourists. Cost of Living, and How to Get There.

St. Augustine, Florida 1873.

First edition of this early travel guide to the city of St. Augustine, Florida by the Editor and Proprietor of The Florida Press. Octavo, original wrappers, illustrated with advertisements. In good condition. Small bookplate. Exceptionally rare with only one other copy traced at auction and one listed in academic holding.

Paine, Thomas

The Life and Works of Thomas Paine.

New Rochelle, New York : Thomas Paine National Historical Association, 1925.

The Patriot’s edition of the Life and Works of Thomas Paine. Octavo, ten volumes bound in three quarter morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in five compartments within raised gilt bands, marbled endpapers, top edge gilt. In good condition.

Mallet, Allain Manesson

Floride. Das Landt Florida. [17th Century Map of Florida].

Frankfurt : Allain M. Mallet, c. 1686.

Rare 17the century copper engraved map of Florida from Allain Manesson Mallet’s Description De L’ Univers, Contenant Les Differents Systemes Du Monde, Les Cartes generales & particulieres.’ One page, hand-colored, the copper-engraved map shows Canada or Nouvelle France, the Appalachians, Florida (Tegesta), the Gulf of Mexico, and Cuba. In fine condition. An exceptional example.

Colton’s Map of Florida.

New York : G.W. & C.B. Colton, 1868.

Rare 19th century printing of Colton’s map of Florida. One page, the lithographed map shows a detailed view of the state of Florida with an inset of the southern portion and the Keys. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 35.5 inches by 25.5 inches.

Johnson, Alvin Jewett and Ross C. Browning

Johnson’s Map of Florida.

New York : A.J. Johnson, c. 1861.

Rare 19th century example of Johnson’s famed Civil War era map of the state of Florida. One page, the hand-colored lithographic map depicts the state in full with color coding according to county in the midst of the American Civil War with references to towns, railroads, villages, depots, swamps, the territories of Native American tribes,Continue reading "Johnson’s Map of Florida."

Griswold, Rufus Wilmot

The Republican Court of American Society in the Days of Washington.

New York : D. Appleton and Company, 1854.

First edition of Griswold’s account of the American Republican Court during the presidency of George Washington. Quarto, original publisher’s full morocco with gilt titles to the spine, elaborate stamping to the spine and panels, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt, illustrated with twenty-one portraits of distinguished women including Mrs. George Washington and Mrs. Alexander Hamilton engravedContinue reading "The Republican Court of American Society in the Days of Washington."

Rowson, Susanna Haswell

The History of Charlotte Temple. Founded on Fact.

Hartford : Printed by John Babcock, 1801.

Early American printing of the first American bestseller, first published in 1794. 16mo, bound in one quarter contemporary leather over paper-covered boards. In good condition. Period ownership inscription, “Mary More Her Book Bought in the year 1802 Price 2/0 If this Book you Chance to Borrow and it should get lost it would fill myContinue reading "The History of Charlotte Temple. Founded on Fact."

King, Coretta Scott

My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr.

New York : Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969.

First edition of Coretta Scott King’s autobiography, which recounts the history of the Civil Rights Movement and offers an inside look at Dr. King, his sermons and speeches. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Etta Moten Barnett with deepest appreciation for your dedicated service toContinue reading "My Life with Martin Luther King, Jr."

[Franklin, Benjamin]

Constitutions des Treize Etats-Unis De L’Amerique. [Constitutions of the Thirteen United States of America].

Paris : D. Pierres/Pissot, Pere & Fils, Libraries, 1783.

First French edition of the Constitution of the United States of America, inscribed by Founding Father Benjamin Franklin who had the translation published and personally distributed each of the 600 copies produced. Octavo, bound in one quarter calf with gilt ruling to the spine, burgundy morocco spine label lettered in gilt. Presentation copy, inscribed byContinue reading "Constitutions des Treize Etats-Unis De L’Amerique. [Constitutions of the Thirteen United States of America]."

Ward, Benjamin P. and Alvin Jewett Johnson

Johnson’s Map of Florida.

New York : Johnson and Ward, c. 1866.

Rare 19th century example of Johnson’s famed post-Civil War era map of the state of Florida. One page, the hand-colored lithographic map depicts the state in full with color coding according to county shortly following the close of the American Civil War with references to towns, railroads, villages, depots, swamps, the territories of Native AmericanContinue reading "Johnson’s Map of Florida."

Moore, Thomas

Lalla Rookh: An Oriental Romance. [Fore-edge Painting].

London : Routledge, Warne, & Routledge, 1860.

Finely bound example of Moore’s famous romance. Octavo, bound in full contemporary morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine, elaborate gilt ruling and gilt scroll borders to the front and rear panels, gilt turn-ins and inner dentelles, decorated with a concealed fore-edge painting. In good condition. Ownership inscription.

Keller, Helen

We Bereaved.

New York : Leslie Fulenwider, Inc, 1929.

First edition of this small book of wisdom by Helen Keller. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, warmly inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “To Mrs Warren Monk, whose sweet faith is a bond between us. Affectionately, Helen Keller, July 24th, 1940.” In near fine condition. Uncommon signed and inscribed.

Russell, William Howard

My Diary: North and South.

London : Bradbury and Evans, 1863.

First edition of this work by Russell. Octavo, two volumes, original blue cloth with gilt titles and tooling to the spine, folding map in volume one. In very good condition.

Cambridge, Richard Owen [Benjamin Franklin]

An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers.

London : Printed for T. Jefferys, 1761.

Benjamin Franklin’s first edition copy of Cambridge’s account of the progression of the Seven Years’ War in India, from Franklin’s private library. Quarto, bound in full contemporary calf, marbled endpapers, illustrated with 12 engraved maps and plans and 6 plates, mostly folding. From the private library of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin’s contributions to science and politicsContinue reading "An Account of the War in India, Between the English and French, on the Coast of Coromandel, From the Year 1760. Together with A Relation of the late Remarkable Events on the Malabar Coast, and the Expeditions to Golconda and Surat; with the Operations of the Fleet. Illustrated with Maps, Plans &c. The Whole Compiled from Original Papers."

Hosmer, James K

The Color-Guard: Being A Corporal’s Notes of Military Service in the Nineteenth Army Corps.

Boston : Walker, Wise, and Company, 1864.

First edition of James Kendall Hosmer’s Civil War memoir. Octavo, original cloth. In very good condition.

Nineteenth Century Carte de Visite Album.

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Rare late nineteenth century carte de visite album containing dozens of original portraits of prominent members of the Griffith family of New York and several contemporary celebrities including Henry Ward Beecher, Washington Irving, and General Winfield Hancock. Quarto, original full leather richly decorated in gilt with inner dentelles, silk watered endleaves, gilt decorations and rulingContinue reading "Nineteenth Century Carte de Visite Album."

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 forContinue reading "Sundry Estimates and Statements Relative to Appropriations for the Service of the Year 1794."

Mottelay, Paul F. and T. Campbell-Copeland

The Soldier in Our Civil War: A Pictorial History of the Conflict, 1861-1865. Illustrating the Valor of the Soldier as Displayed on the Battle-Field.

Richmond and New York : Stanley Bradely Publishing Company, 1890.

First edition of both volumes in this profusely illustrated set, containing large engraved portraits of Lincoln, Grant, McClellan and numerous battle scenes. Folio, 2 volumes, original cloth decorated in gilt, illustrated from sketches drawn by Forbes, Waud, Taylor, Hillen, Becker, Lovie, and Schell among others. In good condition. A rare complete set.

[Davis, Jefferson]

Capture of Jefferson Davis Collection.

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Fine collection of pieces related to the capture of Jefferson Davis near Irwinville, Georgia on May 10, 1865. The collection includes an original carte-de-visite of Davis’s captor, Colonel B.J. Pritchard; a calling card signed by Pritchard; a cabinet card of “The Only Photo in the Word of the Exact Spot where Hon. Jefferson Davis, PresidentContinue reading "Capture of Jefferson Davis Collection."