1723

History Of America by Robertson, 1777 with Foldout (57750)

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:185.00 USD Estimated At:375.00 - 1,000.00 USD
History Of America by Robertson, 1777 with Foldout   (57750)
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Two volume set of History of America by William Robertson, Publishers: Strahan, Cadell, London; Balfour, Edinburgh. Original boards, marbled flys, bookplate of Robert Drummond. Foldout of Mayan characters opposite title page. The preface is nothing short of astounding: "In fulfilling the engagement which I had come under with respect to the history of America, it was my intention not to have published any part of it until the whole was completed. The present state of the British colonies has induced me to alter that resolution. While they are engaged in civil war with Great Britain, inquiries and speculations concerning their ancient forms of policy and laws, which exist no longer, cannot be interesting. The attention and expectation of mankind are now turned towards their future condition. In whatever manner this unhappy contest may terminate, a new order of things must arise in America..." The treatise is most interesting, with important period discussions of the early discovery by Columbus and the excitement it caused in great Britain. "Men of science, capable of comprehending the nature, and of discerning the effects, of this great discovery, received the account of it with admiration and joy." (p110) Commenting on Columbus' views of the exploration for gold, Robertson wrote: "Gold was known to abound in India, and he had met with such promising samples of it in the islands which he visited, as led him to believe that rich mines of it might be found. (p111). Comments by Robertson on the native peoples reflect the great ignorance of "westerners" the period: The theories that have been formed with respect to the original (sp) of Americans, from observations of their. religious rites and practices, are no less fanciful, and destitute of solid foundation." (p269). Overall excellent condition, with only the addition of a thin strip of leather reinforcement along binding edges. 8.75 x 10.75" The volumes were not analyzed by this writer to ascertain any "misinformation" which may have been presented by the author to British subjects as part of the ongoing "Revolution".

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