(American Revolution) — Charles Stedman | "The best contemporary account of the Revolution from the British side"

(American Revolution) — Charles Stedman

History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War. London: Printed for the Author and sold by J. Murray, J. Debrett, and J. Kerby, 1794

2 vols., 4to (268 x 205 mm). 15 engraved maps and military plans, 11 of which folding and 1 including an overlay, index at rear of vol. II; lacking half-titles, erased signatures to title pages, a few mostly marginal closed tears throughout, folding maps toned with some offsetting and short closed tears, Bunker Hill, New York and East New Jersey, and Clinton and Montgomery maps with tape repairs mostly to inner margins, a few open tears largely not affecting text, small hole costing two words, printing flaw to T3 recto, light foxing, occasional toning, and staining to margins throughout, a few instances of contemporary and later marginalia. Three-quarter brown calf over contemporary marbled boards, spines gilt-lettered and ruled, top stained; rebacked to style, boards rubbed with some loss at extremities, staining close to spine and corners, possibly evidence of an early restoration, rubbing to head and foot of spine, pencil annotations to rear free endpapers.

First edition of "the best contemporary account of the Revolution from the British side" (Sabin).

Charles Stedman's comprehensive history of the American Revolution, told from the perspective of a British loyalist, features 15 maps and military plans including the actions at Bunker Hill, Long Island, Savannah, Charleston, Camden, and Yorktown. Stedman, though born in Philadelphia and a graduate of William and Mary, served in the British Army under General William Howe and others during the war. His work is a scarce and essential reference for the history of the American War of Independence.

One of the finest collections of revolutionary maps and plans assembled by an eyewitness.

REFERENCES

Howes S914; Sabin 91057

PROVENANCE

Possibly H. Harrison (early ownership signature to front free endpapers, struck through) — abraded signature to title pages