American Biography: or an Historical Account of those Persons who have been Distinguished in America as Adventurers, Divines, Statesmen, Warriors, Philosophers, Divines and other Remarkable Characters Comprehending a Recital of the Events Connected with their Lives and Actions. (2 Volumes, Complete)
Boston: Isaiah Thomas and Ebenezer T. Andrews, 1794, 1798. Full Leather. Good binding. Item #8774
Octavo. 416; [2], 476 pp. First edition. In original marbled calf. Both thick and thin paper variants, per BAL, this is a thick paper edition on laid paper. Formerly from the Beverly Public Library with 19th century rubber stamps and bookplate. Leather is separated at all four joints, but boards remain attached if tender; light wear to the spine ends; expected toning/foxing throughout. Now in modern linen slipcase.
Belknap's work commences with "A Preliminary Dissertation. On the Circumnavigation of Africa by Ancients; and its probably Consequence, the Population of some Part of America." The balance of the work comprises biographies of early explorers (including pre-Columbian Scandinavian explorers) and notable colonial figures, A third volume was planned, but Belknap died in 1798, a notice of his death precedes the title page of Volume II. BAL 934 & 942. Evans 26637 & 33339; Howes B-322 "aa"; Sabin 4429.
Price: $600.00