History, Law, and Politics

Giuseppe de Rossi

Giuseppe de Rossi’s Globus Coelest. [Seventeenth Century Italian Celestial Globe].

Rome : Giuseppe de Rossi, [1615].

Rare early seventeenth century Italian celestial globe produced by Roman cartographer Giuseppe de Rossi, the founder the most important and active printing press of 17th century Rome, the Rossi firm. Laid horizontally and mounted on a turned mahogany stand, the celestial globe measures 8 inches in diameter and is comprised of 12 hand-colored engraved goresContinue reading "Giuseppe de Rossi’s Globus Coelest. [Seventeenth Century Italian Celestial Globe]."

Bien, Julius. [Engraver]

Drew’s New Map of the State of Florida.

Jacksonville, Florida : Published by C. Drew, Bookseller & Stationer, 1870.

Rare original lithographic printing of the first map of the state Florida published in Florida. One page, with fine original hand colored borders and counties, showing the progress of the U.S. Surveys, the completed and projected railroads, the different railroad stations and growing railroad towns, the new towns on the rivers and interior and theContinue reading "Drew’s New Map of the State of Florida."

Bolivar, Simón

Simón Bolívar Autograph Letter Signed.

1829.

Rare autograph letter signed by ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar as President of Gran Colombia. One page, script in Spanish on both recto and verso. The letter is dated May 13, 1828, and offers the recipient, Colonel José Félix Blanco, Bolívar’s support in his struggle to maintain the security of Barinas (of which was made GovernorContinue reading "Simón Bolívar Autograph Letter Signed."

Bolivar, Simon

Simón Bolívar Signed Order of the Liberators Appointment.

1819.

Rare autograph letter signed by ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar as President of Venezuela. One page, partially printed on Bolívar’s presidential letterhead bearing his title, ‘Supreme Head of the Republic, Captain-General of the Army of Venezuela and New Granada’, the letter is dated January 18 1819 and appoints Lt. Col. Laurencio Silva to the Order ofContinue reading "Simón Bolívar Signed Order of the Liberators Appointment."

Bolivar, Simón

Simón Bolívar Autograph Letter Signed.

Bogota 1827.

Rare autograph letter signed by ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar as President of Gran Colombia. One page, script in Spanish. Sent from Bogota, the letter is dated December 6, 1827 and reads in full, “A la Senora Manuela Garaycoa. Umd. siempre se eccele a si misma on bondades para conmigo y me prodiga elofios ques ellosContinue reading "Simón Bolívar Autograph Letter Signed."

[Shaw, Robert Gould; Ralph Waldo Emerson; Harriet Beecher Stowe; James Russell Lowell; et al]

Memorial.

Cambridge : University Press, 1864.

First edition of this scarce volume dedicated to the commander of the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Robert Gould Shaw, with contributions by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, William Lloyd Garrison, Edwin M. Stanton, and James Russell Lowell and with extracts from Colonel Shaw’s letters. Octavo, original publisher’s half leather over red boards with giltContinue reading "Memorial."

Johnson, Lyndon B

Statues of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin, Erected in Statuary Hall of the Capitol Building at Washington.

Washington, D.C : Government Printing Office, 1905.

First edition of this work on the statues of Sam Houston and Stephen Austin. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by Lyndon Johnson on the front pastedown, “To B. J. Hanacik, from his congressman, Lyndon B. Johnson, April 10, 1938.” In near fine condition.

Grosvenor, Charles

An Iconography of the Portraits of T. E. Lawrence.

Pasadena : The Otterden Press, 1988.

Signed limited edition of Grosvenor’s catalogue of the portraits of T. E. Lawrence. Octavo, original cloth, frontispiece, illustrated. One of 1000 numbered copies signed by the author, this is number 255. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Cover portrait by William Rothenstein. Cover photograph by Vladmir Popovic.

Newcomb, Raymond Lee

Our Lost Explorers: The Narrative of the Jeannette Arctic Expedition as Related by the Survivors, and in the Records and Last Journals of Lieutenant De Long.

Hartford, Conn. : American Publishing Company, 1882.

First edition of  Newcomb’s account of the Jeannette Arctic Exploration. Octavo, original illustrated cloth, tissue-guarded frontispiece, illustrated with maps, portraits, and numerous engravings. Introduction by Rev. W. L. Gage. In good condition.

Justinus, Marcus Junianus

Epitomae in Trogi Pompeii Historias.

Venice : [Philippus Pincius], c. 1497.

Rare incunable edition of Justinus‘s epitome of the Historia Philippica by Pompeius Trogus. Chancery folio, bound in one quarter vellum over patterned boards with ink titles to the spine, Roman type. In very good condition. Bookplate. Period marginalia. Exceptionally rare, one of the earliest books printed in Roman type, which would influence famed 15th century Venetian printerContinue reading "Epitomae in Trogi Pompeii Historias."

Scudéry, Georges de

Curia Politiae: Or, The Apologies of Several Princes: Justifying to the World Their most Eminent Actions, by the Strength of Reason, And the most Exact Rules of Policie.

London : Printed for Humphrey Moseley, 1654.

First edition in English of Scudéry’s great catalogue of eminent world leaders, published early in early in Cromwell’s Commonwealth. Small quarto, bound in full contemporary tree calf with gilt tooling to the spine, red morocco spine label lettered in gilt, top edge gilt, engraved frontispiece, with 11 engraved portraits including those of Emperor Charles theContinue reading "Curia Politiae: Or, The Apologies of Several Princes: Justifying to the World Their most Eminent Actions, by the Strength of Reason, And the most Exact Rules of Policie."

[Beecher, Henry Ward; Newman Hall; Dwight L. Moody; Charles Spurgeon; Henry van Dyke; et al]

19th and 20th Century American Clergymen Autograph and Signed Letter Collection.

.

Extensive collection of over forty cards and letters signed by a number of prominent 19th and 20th century American Clergymen including Henry Ward Beecher, Henry van Dyke, Charles Spurgeon, and Dwight L. Moody. The collection includes: an autograph letter dated January 25 1866 signed by Henry War Beecher; four typed letters and on autograph letterContinue reading "19th and 20th Century American Clergymen Autograph and Signed Letter Collection."

Burn, Richard and George Chetwynd

The Justice of the Peace, and Parish Officer.

London : Printed by A. Strahan, 1820.

Finely bound set of this monumental work. Octavo, 5 volumes, bound in contemporary full calf, morocco spine labels. In near fine condition.

[Washington, George]

A Funeral Oration in Honor of the Memory of George Washington. Late General of the Armies of the United States.

Philadelphia : Hall & Sellers, January 15, 1800.

Exceedingly rare first appearance in print of Washington’s Funeral Oration, featured on the front page of the Wednesday, January 15 1800 issue of the Pennsylvania Gazette. Folio, four pages, the headline reads, “A Funeral Oration in Honor of the Memory of George Washington. Late General of the Armies of the United States. Prepared and DeliveredContinue reading "A Funeral Oration in Honor of the Memory of George Washington. Late General of the Armies of the United States."

Adams, John Quincy

The Jubilee of the Constitution. A Discourse Delivered at the Request of the New York Historical Society, in the City of New York, on Tuesday, the 30th of April, 1789.

New York : Published by Samuel Colman, 1839.

First edition of John Quincy Adams’ powerful speech—“one of Adams’ best”—delivered at the request of the New York Historical Society on the 50th Anniversary of Washington’s Inauguration. Octavo, original wrappers, frontispiece and half-title. In very good condition.

Bentsen, Lloyd Millard [Jimmy Carter]

Lloyd Millard Bentsen Autograph Letter Archive.

1981-1985.

Rare archive of autograph letters, photographs, and commemorative stamp folios from the collection of former United States Secretary of the Treasury Lloyd Millard Bentsen. The archive includes a photograph of Bentsen with Jimmy Carter, inscribed by Carter to him, “Thanks & best wishes to my good friend Lloyd Bentsen – Jimmy Carter 2-21-80”, two autographContinue reading "Lloyd Millard Bentsen Autograph Letter Archive."

Acts Passed at the Second Congress of the United States of America: Begun and Held at the City of Philadelphia, In the State of Pennsylvania, On Monday, The Twenty-Fourth of October, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One: And o the Independence of the United States, the Sixteenth. [Bound With]: The Constitution of the United States of America; As Proposed by the Convention Held at Philadelphia, Sept. 17, 1787, and Since Ratified by the Several States.

Philadelphia : Printed by Francis Childs and Joseph Swaine, Printers to the United States; Printed by John Fenno, 1791-c. 1793.

First printing of the Second Acts of Congress, bound with an even more rare printing of the Constitution. Octavo, original full calf, red morocco spine label lettered gilt. From the library of the first (and longest serving) Secretary of the United States Senate, Samuel Allyne Otis with his signature to the second page. Otis wasContinue reading "Acts Passed at the Second Congress of the United States of America: Begun and Held at the City of Philadelphia, In the State of Pennsylvania, On Monday, The Twenty-Fourth of October, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety-One: And o the Independence of the United States, the Sixteenth. [Bound With]: The Constitution of the United States of America; As Proposed by the Convention Held at Philadelphia, Sept. 17, 1787, and Since Ratified by the Several States."

[Feynman, Richard P.]

Richard P. Feynman’s National Medal of Science.

Danbury, Connecticut : Medallic Art Co., [1979].

Richard P. Feynman’s National Medal of Science, bestowed upon him by President Jimmy Carter in 1979. Bronze, the medal depicts a man in contemplation writing a formula in the sand on the obverse, and reads on the reverse: “Awarded by the President of the United States of America to Richard Phillips Feynman 1979.” Established inContinue reading "Richard P. Feynman’s National Medal of Science."

[Chavez, Cesar] Jacques E. Levy

Cesar Chavez. Autobiography of La Causa.

New York : W.W. Norton & Company, 1975.

First edition of this biography of the famous labor activist. Octavo, original cloth, photographic endpapers, illustrated with 33 pages of photographs. Presentation copy, lengthily inscribed by Chavez on the half-title page, “To Marian Schroeder personal best wishes on this Christmas season Peace Cesar Chavez 12/15/78 LA PAZ.” Fine in a near fine price-clipped dust jacket.Continue reading "Cesar Chavez. Autobiography of La Causa."

Vidal, Gore

Vidal in Venice.

New York : Summit Books, 1985.

First edition of this wonderful overview of Venice. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “Valerie from 1/2 brother Gore Vidal.” The recipient, Valerie Gore was the author’s sister. Vidal’s father remarried in 1939 and had two children with his second wife; Valerie was born in 1946. TheContinue reading "Vidal in Venice."

Vidal, Gore

1876: A Novel.

New York : Random House, 1976.

First edition of this classic novel. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the “Valerie love Gore.” The recipient, Valerie Gore was the author’s sister. Vidal’s father remarried in 1939 and had two children with his second wife; Valerie was born in 1946. The two remained close throughout the years. Near fineContinue reading "1876: A Novel."

Mandela, Nelson

Long Walk To Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.

South Africa : MacDonald Purnell, 1994.

First South African edition of this classic autobiography, which has went on to sell over six million copies worldwide. Octavo, original black cloth, cartographic endpapers, illustrated with photographs. Boldly signed on the title page by the author, “NMandela 28.2.96.” Fine in a fine dust jacket.

Vidal, Gore

Screening History.

Cambridge, MA : Harvard University Press, 1992.

First edition of this work by the award-winning novelist. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the title page, “Valerie, love, Gore Vidal.” The recipient, Valerie Vidal was the author’s sister. Vidal’s father remarried in 1939 and had two children with his second wife; Valerie was born in 1946. Fine in aContinue reading "Screening History."

Franklin, Dr. Benjamin

Chess Made Easy. New and Comprehensive Rules for Playing the Game of Chess.

Philadelphia : James Humphrey, 1802.

First edition of the earliest known book on chess printed in America. 32mo,bound in half leather over marbled boards, illustrated with engraved frontispiece. In very good condition with some rubbing to the extremities, frontispiece repaired, title-page repaired and dampstained. An exceptional rarity, with only one example appearing at auction in the last 75 years.