Robertson, Williams

The History of America [FOUR VOLUMES]

London: Printed for A. Strahan; T. Cadell; and J. Balfour, 1788, 1796. Four fold-out maps engraved by Thomas Kitchin, fold-out illustration. Vv. 1-3 Fifth editions; V. 4 First edition, first printing. Bound in three-quarter twentieth-century dark green crushed morocco over marbled boards, plain endpapers, top edge stain green. xlviii [1] 2-388; 499; 439 [blank], [38, index], [1, ads]; ; 249 [1], iv, 307 [1, ads]. 8.5" x 5.5" Spine titles rubbed, top stain faded, spot of soiling to top edge v. 1 and fore edges vv. 2-3, 1/2" chip lower corners pp. IV: 153-160, two spots of contemporary penciled marginalia pp. II: 149, 202. All maps and plates near fine or better. Overall a near fine, very presentable set. Item #236129

A SCOT'S HISTORY OF AMERICA

A foundational Enlightenment history of the New World, The History of America presents the Scottish historian William Robertson’s influential narrative of the discovery, conquest, and indigenous civilizations of the Americas––"most highly regarded secondary source of its time" (Howes). First published in 1777, it became the most widely read English-language account of Spanish colonial enterprise for decades. Though penned by one of Edinburgh’s most esteemed intellectuals—Principal of its University—the work was published out of London, reflecting the era’s cross-border scholarly networks and the metropolitan market for imperial historiography.This mixed set includes the fifth edition in three volumes (1788), along with the first edition of the posthumously published fourth volume (1796). Admired for its literary clarity and moral reflection, Robertson’s work shaped 18th-century historical writing and remains a touchstone in the historiography of empire and encounter.

[Sabin 71973, 71974; Howes R358].

Price: $1,500.00