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."

West, Stephen [Jonathan Edwards]

An Essay on Moral Agency: Containing Remarks on a Late Anonymous Publication, Entitled, An Examination of the Late President Edward’s Inquiry on Freedom of Will.

Salem : Printed by Thomas C. Cushing, 1794.

Second edition of this work defending Jonathan Edwards treatise Freedom of the Will. Octavo, bound in full calf with gilt titles to the spine in six compartments within gilt bands, morocco spine label. In very good condition, bookplate to the front pastedown.

Laurie, Robert; James Whittle

Puerto Cavello on the Coast of Caracas; by Lt. Jones in 1741. [18th Century English Map of Puerto Cavello].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare hand-colored map of Puerto Cavello, one of the earliest obtainable English language maps to focus on this region. One page, the map displays a town plan, charting of the harbor, forts and surrounding islands. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 16 inches by 12.5 inches. A handsome example.

Laurie, Robert and James Whittle

Plan of the Road and Town of La Guayra on the Coast of Caraccas, by an Officer in Admiral Knowles’s Squadron. [18th Century English Map of La Guaira].

London : Laurie & Whittle, 1794.

Rare Hand-Colored 18th Century Laurie & Whittle Map of La Guaira. One page, the map details the town of La Guaira, Venezuela. In near fine condition. Matted and framed. The entire piece measures 7.25 inches by 7.5 inches. Rare and desirable with fine hand-coloring.

The First Spelling Primer; or an Easy Introduction to the Art of Reading Adorned with Emblematic Pictures.

London-Derry : Published by G. Douglas, 1795.

Second edition of this scarce 18th century spelling primer. 16mo, original limp paper boards, illustrated with twenty-six small text woodcuts illustrating the Prince’s Alphabet, followed by an ABC poem, The Alphabet in Rhime, syllables of two and three letters, easy words, easy reading lessons, the Lord’s Prayer, and a publisher’s advertisement leaf aimed at childrenContinue reading "The First Spelling Primer; or an Easy Introduction to the Art of Reading Adorned with Emblematic Pictures."

Franklin, Benjamin

The Way to Wealth or Poor Richard Improved.

Paris : Printed for Ant. Aug. Renouard, 1795.

The rare Renouard‘s bi-lingual edition of Franklin’s popular aphorisms, first published as the preface to the Poor Richard‘s Almanac. “The prettiest edition yet printed” (Ford, Franklin 135). Sabin 25596. 12mo, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine, gilt turn-ins, engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin by A. Tardieu after Duplessis. This elegant ParisianContinue reading "The Way to Wealth or Poor Richard Improved."

Smith, Adam

Essays on Philosophical Subjects… To Which Is Prefixed, an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author by Dugald Stewart.

London : Printed for T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1795.

First edition of this important collection of Smith’s essays, featuring the important first publication of his History of Astronomy. Quarto, bound in quarter calf with gilt titles to the spine. One of 1,000 copies. Containing the first publication in book form of Dugald Stewart’s Account of the Life and Writings of Adam Smith, which hadContinue reading "Essays on Philosophical Subjects… To Which Is Prefixed, an Account of the Life and Writings of the Author by Dugald Stewart."

Laws of the United States of America: Containing, The Federal Constitution; The Acts of the Sessions of the First and Second Congress; The Treaties Existing Between the United States and Foreign Nations, and the Several Indian Tribes. Also, Sundry Resolves of the First and Second Congress.

Boston : Adams and Larkin, 1795.

Rare first edition of the collected laws of the United States, containing the treaties and acts from the three sessions of the first Congress and the first two sessions of the second Congress. Stated as ‘Volume I’ on the title page but the only volume published. Folio, original contemporary half cloth over boards. In goodContinue reading "Laws of the United States of America: Containing, The Federal Constitution; The Acts of the Sessions of the First and Second Congress; The Treaties Existing Between the United States and Foreign Nations, and the Several Indian Tribes. Also, Sundry Resolves of the First and Second Congress."

Radcliffe, Anne

A Sicilian Romance.

Philadelphia : Printed For Henry and Patrick Rice, 1795.

First American edition of Radcliffe’s classic 18th century gothic novel. Octavo, bound in full contemporary calf, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine. In good condition. Chip to the spine label, G1 & 2 tear at head within text, with minor loss, Q1 torn and stained at foot, with loss ofContinue reading "A Sicilian Romance."

Watson, Richard

An Apology for the Bible; In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a book entitled The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being and Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology.

Philadelphia : Printed for W. Young, Mills & Son, 1796.

Rare early printing of this response to Thomas Paine’s ‘The Age of Reason.’ Duodecimo, original full leather with gilt titles and ruling to the spine. In very good condition with rubbing to the extremities, front panel, and spine, some toning throughout, a small loss to the front flyleaf, and bookplates to the front free endpaperContinue reading "An Apology for the Bible; In a Series of Letters, Addressed to Thomas Paine, Author of a book entitled The Age of Reason, Part the Second, Being and Investigation of True and of Fabulous Theology."

Paine, Thomas

The Age of Reason. Part the Second. Being an Investigation of True and Fabulous Theology.

London : Printed for Daniel Isaac Eaton, 1796.

1796 London edition of the second part of Paine’s landmark Age of Reason—“his great work of this period” (ANB). Preceded by the first edition in English, which Paine had printed in Paris for distribution in America. Octavo, disbound. In very good condition. Rare.

Gibbon, Edward

Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon, Esquire. With Memoirs of His Life and Writings, Composed by Himself: Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narrative by John Lord Sheffield.

London : Printed for A. Strahan, and T. Cadell Jun. and W. Davies, 1796.

First edition of Gibbon’s memoirs, letters, and additional works, posthumously collected and published by his closest friend, John Baker Holroyd, 1st Earl of Sheffield. Quarto, bound in three quarters morocco over marbled boards, morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, engraved frontispiece portraitContinue reading "Miscellaneous Works of Edward Gibbon, Esquire. With Memoirs of His Life and Writings, Composed by Himself: Illustrated from His Letters, with Occasional Notes and Narrative by John Lord Sheffield."

Staunton, Sir George. [Sir George Macartney]

An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China; Including Cursory Observations Made, and Information Obtained, In Travelling Through That Ancient Empire, and a Small Part of Chinese Tartary.

London : Printed by W. Bulmer and Co. for G. Nicol, 1797.

Rare first edition of the official account of Lord Macartney’s voyage and embassy to the Qianlong emperor in 1792-94, the failure of which led to the establishment of the British trading post at Hong Kong. Three volumes (two quarto volumes of text and one folio atlas volume of plates) bound by Clarke Preston in full diced calf with morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raisedContinue reading "An Authentic Account of an Embassy from the King of Great Britain to the Emperor of China; Including Cursory Observations Made, and Information Obtained, In Travelling Through That Ancient Empire, and a Small Part of Chinese Tartary."

Eden, Sir Frederic Morton

The State of the Poor: Or an History of the Labouring Classes in England, from the Conquest to the Present Period; in Which are Particularly Considered Their Domestic Economy with Respect to Diet, Dress, Fuel and Habitation.

London : J. Davis, for B. & J. White, G. & G. Robinson, T. Payne, 1797.

First edition of this classic work. Quarto, 3 volumes, bound mottled full calf, raised bands, gilt titles to the spine, gilt lined, black morocco spine labels. In excellent condition with the folding table facing p. viii of the appendix in Volume III.

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley

The Rivals; The Critic; The Duenna.

London : Printed for A. Millar, W. Law, and R. Cater, 1797.

Finely bound editions of three of Sheridan’s most well known and popular comic plays. Duodecimo, three volumes, bound in full red pebbled morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in three compartments within raised gilt bands, triple gilt ruling to the front and rear panels, all edges gilt, gilt inner dentelles, marbled endpapers.Continue reading "The Rivals; The Critic; The Duenna."

Cervantes, Miguel De

El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Madrid : Gabriel de Sancha, 1797-98.

First edition of the first annotated edition of Don Quixote. Octavo, five volumes, bound in contemporary tree calf, covers with a swashed diagonal cross, edged with a gilt roll, gilt bands and green lettering pieces, marbled endpapers, sprinkled edges. With 2 engraved portraits, 2 engraved headpieces, 3 folding maps, and 31 engraved plates executed byContinue reading "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha."

Hamilton, Alexander

Observations on Certain Documents Contained in No.V & VI of “The History of the United States for the Year 1796,” in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted.

Philadelphia : John Bioren for John Fenno, 1797.

Rare first edition of one of the major causes célèbres in American governmental history. Octavo, bound in contemporary morocco, marbled endpapers. In near fine condition. This first edition of 1797 is rare as it was bought up by the Hamilton family in an effort to suppress it, but was ultimately reprinted in 1800 by Hamilton’s political enemies. HousedContinue reading "Observations on Certain Documents Contained in No.V & VI of “The History of the United States for the Year 1796,” in which the Charge of Speculation against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is Fully Refuted."

Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de; D. Juan Antonio Pellicer

El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion.

Madrid : Gabriel de Sancha, 1797-98.

First large paper edition of Juan Antonio Pellicer’s new edition of Don Quixote. Octavo, five volumes, bound in full red morocco by Clarke & Bedford with gilt titles and ornately tooled floral detailing to the spines in six compartments within raised bands, elaborate floral ruling to the front and rear panels, top edges gilt, giltContinue reading "El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha: Nueva Edicion."

Rabelais, Francois

Oeuvres De Maitre Francois Rabelais, suivies des Remarques publiees en anglois par M. le Motteux, et traduites en francois par C. D. M. Nouvelle edition ornee de 76 gravures.

Paris : Chez Ferdinand Bastien, 1798.

First edition illustrated, three volumes, octavos. In good condition, all edges gilt, tooling to the spine, expertly rebacked. All plates present. An attractive set.

Malthus, Thomas Robert [T.R.]

An Essay on the Principle of Population, as It Affects the Future Improvement of Society.

London : J. Johnson, 1798.

First edition of this cornerstone text of modern economics. Octavo, bound in three quarters calf. Laid in is a clipping from an original manuscript signed by Malthus and entirely in his hand which reads in part, “If at one time such a given product would make an effectual demand for certain commodities the conditions ofContinue reading "An Essay on the Principle of Population, as It Affects the Future Improvement of Society."

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]."

The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches.

Cambridge : Printed by John Burges Printer to the University, 1798.

Exquisitely bound 18th century Cambridge University printing of the Holy Bible. Octavo, sumptuously bound in full contemporary straight grain morocco with gilt titles and elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt border with floral scrolling, corner medallions and fleurons to the front and rear panels, tan and blackContinue reading "The Holy Bible, Containing the Old and New Testaments: Translated Out of the Original Tongues; and With the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesty’s Special Command. Appointed to be Read in Churches."

By a Loyal Subject

A Letter to the Right Honorable the Earl of Warwick, Upon the Subject of Opposition, in Consequence of the Speeches of His Lordship in the House of Peers, on the 23d and 27th of March, 1797, in Opposition to the Motions of the Earls of Oxford and Suffolk, to Address His Majesty for Peace, and for the Dismissal of the Right Honorable William Pitt.

[London] : Printed for the Author, 1798.

First edition of this appeal to the King of Great Britain and Ireland, King George III, during the French Revolutionary Wars. Duodecimo, bound in full contemporary straight-grain red morocco with elaborate gilt tooling to the spine in six compartments, elaborate gilt ruling with a gilt coronet and monogram ‘Y’ to the front and rear panels,Continue reading "A Letter to the Right Honorable the Earl of Warwick, Upon the Subject of Opposition, in Consequence of the Speeches of His Lordship in the House of Peers, on the 23d and 27th of March, 1797, in Opposition to the Motions of the Earls of Oxford and Suffolk, to Address His Majesty for Peace, and for the Dismissal of the Right Honorable William Pitt."

Missale Romanum.

Madrid : Typis Societatis, 1799.

Rare 18th century Spanish printing of the Roman Missal. Folio, bound in full velvet with silver cornerpieces and central ornament bearing the Sacred Heart, silver clasps, ribbons bound in, printed in red and black, engraved illustration to the title page. In very good condition.