The Pennsylvania Magazine
The Pennsylvania Magazine
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PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF AMBASSADOR J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
The Pennsylvania Magazine

Thomas Paine and Robert Aitken, 1775

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The Pennsylvania Magazine
Thomas Paine and Robert Aitken, 1775
[PAINE, Thomas (1737-1801), editor.] The Pennsylvania Magazine: or, American Monthly Museum. MDCCLCCV. Volume 1. Philadelphia: Robert Aitken, [1775].

First 12 issues of the most important American magazine of the pre-Revolutionary period, edited by Thomas Paine. Paine contributed two articles to the Magazine's January issue, and Aitken hired him as editor soon after. The resulting publication became much more political in nature due to the influence of the fiery Paine. This important periodical traces the vital events of 1775, with several important early maps and views including the Battle of Bunker Hill. Paine was also a prolific contributor to the magazine, his work often appearing with no by-line or various pseudonyms. Mott, American Magazines I, pp.87. Evans 14380; Deak, Picturing America 143.

Octavo (202 x 119mm). 15 engraved plates and maps, 9 of which folding, engraved vignette on general title (title and preface leaf remargined at gutter, old inscription cut away from top edge of first three leaves, corners of two folding engravings replaced in facsimile, first issue stained around the edges, a few pages with printed area just off the page, toned throughout with dampstaining affecting some plates). Modern half calf over marbled boards. Provenance: excised ownership inscription on first three leaves – "Mo. Horton" (inscription) – Ira Lipman (sold Sotheby's New York, The Library of a Distinguished American Book Collector, 4 June 2013, lot 126).

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