Details
FORCE, Peter (1790-1868). American Archives: Consisting of a Collection of Authentick Records, State Papers...forming a Documentary History of the...North American Colonies...the American Revolution...the Constitution...Fourth Series, vols. 1-6, Fifth Series, vols. 1-3 [all published]. Washington: M. St. Clair Clarke and Peter Force, December 1837-January 1853.
9 volumes, 2° (650 x 227 mm). Numerous facsimiles of letters and documents, engraved maps, general and sectional titles in each volume. (Some light staining, spotting or browning.) Modern half leather over sprinkled boards.
FIRST EDITION of Force's monumental collection of American historical papers. Only nine volumes, covering 1775-1776, of a projected 20 or more were issued, under authority of an Act of Congress. In 1853, perhaps as a result of disappointing sales, Secretary of State Marcy withdrew governmental funding and publication ceased. The enterprising Force, who had amassed an extremely valuable collection of original materials in his work, eventually sold the entire collection to the Library of Congress. Sabin 25053.
[With:] FORCE, Peter. American Archives…Fourth Series, vols. 2-4, 6. Washington, October 1839-March 1846. Contemporary half calf, marbled boards (worn, covers detaching). Provenance: Cadle Memorial Library, Sons of the Revolution, Missouri Society (bookplate on pastedown).
9 volumes, 2° (650 x 227 mm). Numerous facsimiles of letters and documents, engraved maps, general and sectional titles in each volume. (Some light staining, spotting or browning.) Modern half leather over sprinkled boards.
FIRST EDITION of Force's monumental collection of American historical papers. Only nine volumes, covering 1775-1776, of a projected 20 or more were issued, under authority of an Act of Congress. In 1853, perhaps as a result of disappointing sales, Secretary of State Marcy withdrew governmental funding and publication ceased. The enterprising Force, who had amassed an extremely valuable collection of original materials in his work, eventually sold the entire collection to the Library of Congress. Sabin 25053.
[With:] FORCE, Peter. American Archives…Fourth Series, vols. 2-4, 6. Washington, October 1839-March 1846. Contemporary half calf, marbled boards (worn, covers detaching). Provenance: Cadle Memorial Library, Sons of the Revolution, Missouri Society (bookplate on pastedown).
Sale room notice
Please note that this lot does not contain a Peter Force facsimile of the Declaration of Independence.