History Civil & Commercial, of British Colonies in W. Indies, Edwards vol 1 1810

Description: The History, Civil and Commercial, of the British Colonies in the West Indies, Volume 1. By Bryan Edwards, Esq. F.R.S. S.A. Illustrated by an Atlas, and Embellished by a Portrait of the Author. In four volumes. Philadelphia: Published by Levis & Weaver, No. 193, Market Street, 1810. The preceding was taken from the first title page. There is a second title page, similar but shorter than the first, that ends with "Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by James Humphreys, at the Corner of Second and Walnut - streets. 1805." This book, volume 1 of a 4-volume set, contains no maps. It is notable that the statement "Illustrated by an Atlas" does not appear on the second title page. Research indicates that this set, the first U.S. edition, had all maps in an accompanying atlas volume. Its text follows that of the second British edition first published in 1794. One reviewer refers to this work as "...a classic in British Caribbean literature...a standard for over a century, and still in many respects the best book on the subject up to the close of the eighteenth century...of immeasurable value for contemporary conditions, showing the state of affairs after the Revolutionary War and before the abolition of U.S. slavery." Hardcover; brown linen over boards; hand-written paper label on spine; xxxviii + 398 pages; one illustration (portrait of author) after the first free endpaper. As its original binding was almost certainly leather, this book has been rebound. In fair condition. The binding is strong and relatively square; no loose pages; front board is securely attached to spine, rear board is a bit loose but in no danger of separating; spine label is worn and a bit damaged; boards and spine show a few spots of discoloration and a somewhat worn appearance, but have no significant damage. Interior is mostly free of structural damage: significant edge chips on first free endpaper and 1st title page (none on the author's portrait page); small corner chip on 2nd title page; fore edge chip on p. 43 (actually, it's p. 41; this book has two pages numbered 43); tear near hinge on p. 397. All other pages appear to be free of chips and tears. Significant browning/spotting on first and last few pages; the middle 300 pages (or so) are remarkably clean with little or no discoloration, although they are wrinkled. Definitely shows its age; this is not a "pretty" book. But it is complete, has little serious damage, and is 214 years old.

Price: 59 USD

Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

End Time: 2025-01-09T21:55:36.000Z

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