[Rarebooks] FS: Mrs. Warren's history of the American Revolution, 1805

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I can offer... 




Warren, Mrs. Mercy. History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution. Interspersed with Biographical, Political and Moral Observations. Boston: Printed by Manning and Loring for E. Larkin, 1805. 




First edition. Three 8vo volumes, original full sheep, red and green lettering labels. xii, 447; vi, 412; [ii], 475 pp. The head of the spine of volume one is chipped, there is some overall scuffing to the bindings and the remains of a small, early library label on the spines, some browning to the text as is typical, but overall a very good set, and uncommon in unsophisticated condition. Ownership signature of John Brush dated 1807 on the title-page of volume one (see below). 




The "[f]irst important historical work by an American woman" (Howes W-122), and one of the earliest connected narratives of the struggle. "The eminent author, as the sister of James Otis and wife of James Warren, had uncommon facilities for information relating to certain phases of the Revolutionary movement" (Larned 1537). She also corresponded in political matters with Samuel Adams, James Winthrop, John Dickinson, Thomas Jefferson, and others. "Her history is interesting both for the expert knowledge it reveals of public affairs and for its lively and penetrating commentary upon the leading figures of the day, more especially for the caustic analysis of character and motives among the 'malignant party' who opposed American freedom. Like her husband, she held strong democratic convictions, and as a consequence dealt severely with men who in her opinion leaned in the 'aristocratical' direction" (DAB). Sabin 101484; Shaw & Shoemaker 9687. 




Phillip Henry Smith, in his General History of Duchess County, From 1609 to 1876 (p. 125), mentions a John Brush, who commanded the Duchess Country troops at the Harlem Bridge in the War of 1812. One of his brothers, Major Jesse Brush, served in the American Revolution, and another, Colonel Henry Brush, also served in the War of 1812. Unfortunately there is really no way to verify if he was the owner of these volumes or not. 


$2500 plus shipping 


Cheers, 
Greg Powers 
Powers Rare Books 
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