Americana


A Voyage to Hudson's Bay, During the Summer of 1812. -
Voyage to the North Pole

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A Voyage to Hudson's Bay, During the Summer of 1812. - Voyage to the North Pole, in the Frigate the Syrene. by Dr. Thomas M’Keevor & Christopher Paulin de la Poix Freminville

2 works in one volume. 8vo., (9 x 5 6/8 inches). Published by Richard Phillips 1819. 1st. edition;- Fine aquatint frontispiece and five aquatint plates, total of 6 rare plates;-  Modern calf backed marbled paper boards.  M'Keevor was a medical advisor on Thomas Douglas, fifth earl of Selkirk's expedition of 1812 to establish a colony at Red River, the first European settlement in what is now western Canada. M'Keevor records in considerable detail the customs of Inuit natives and Arctic geography and fauna, as well as an account of the Red River settlement. Accompanying his description are spectacular aquatints of ice-flows, iceburgs, and an engraving of a polar bear. Bound with Christophe Paulin Chevalier de las Poix de Freminiville's "Voyage to the North Pole" in 1806, one of his earliest voyages. An archeologist, sailor and naturalist de Freminville began his career on the seas in 1801, inspired by the voyages of Captain James Cook, which he is reputed to have read for the first time at the age of 8. Rising steadily through the ranks he became a captain in 1830. During his many years at sea Freminiville was involved in several scientific expeditions. Between the years 1823-1829 he sailed along the Central and Southern American coastline, and as on all his voyages, drawing coastal profiles and views, and specimens of exotic creatures, some of which were named in his honour, including a number of marine species, but most notably the Eagle Ray (Myliobatis Fremonvillei). Including a Vocabulary of the Dialects of The Chippeway Indian Language;-  Stunning condition and very rare...two in one. 

The History of Paraguay
Price $ 1,250. Buy Now

The History of Paraguay. 1769 Containing Amongst Many Other New, Curious, and Interesting Particulars of That Country, a Full and Authentic Account of the Establishments Formed There By the Jesuits, from Among the Savage Natives.

By Father Charlevoix. Published   P & W Wilson &c Dublin: P & W Wilson &c. G : in 1769;- fine condition;- 2 Vols. Complete...Original bindings. Very Rare in the two vols.Early travel books about South America are always Rare;-Father Charlevoix (1682-1761) lived for a time in Canada, and travelled extensively. Besides this history of Paraguay he wrote works about Japan, Canada, and the Antilles. He is not, however, famous as a traveller, but as a historian and is one of the best of that period.  Probably the most successful missionary enterprise in world history was that of the Jesuit reductions in Paraquaria (Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil). From 1610 to 1767 the Society of Jesus ministered to the Guaraní, developing their already high-level culture into one totally acculturated to the European way of life. Self-government, capitalistic production, a printing press, an armed and trained militia, and a highly developed native language were among the salient contributions of the Jesuits in Paraquaria. Jesuit Father Pierre Françoise-Xavier Charlevoix (1682-1761) His history of the Jesuits in Paraguay was the most inclusive of the Jesuit chronicles of the region and the last prior to expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767.Although Charlevoix did not visit Paraguay, he has left us an indelible account of the Jesuit Province of Paraguay up to mid-eighteenth century. Although he had no personal knowledge of the area, he made excellent use of many Spanish documents placed at his disposal. Many consider these manuscripts, presented here in both Spanish and French,  Charlevoix’s history covers not only Paraguay, but also the border regions of Argentina and Brazil (including, for instance, the founding of Buenos Aires and its early history). Included is information on natural history and resources (such as mining);-

Wanderings in South America, in the North West of the United States, and the Antilles, in the Years 1812,
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Wanderings in South America, in the North West of the United States, and the Antilles, in the Years 1812, 1816, 1820, and 1824: With Original Instructions for the Perfect Preservation of Birds, etc, for Cabinets of Natural History

by Charles Waterton;

Published by Fellowes 1828;- in London;- Charles Waterton was a British explorer and naturalist. He travelled to South America in the beginning of the 19th century and recorded his experiences and discoveries in this book. Waterton was also skilled in preserving animals for his matters, something he also discusses in the book.Second Edition of this important source of information on Venezuela. Waterton (1781 ? 1865) was an English naturalist, taxidermist, and explorer; he was also descendant of one of the foremost British families. In 1804 he began what would be a series on travels to Guiana and South America, he first had to take charge of the family estate and the following to explore. The subsequent travels would take him to the deep Guiana and Brazil, where he allegedly arrives barefoot. The main field of research for a while was the effects of curare, a local poison, which, applied to darts, would paralyze a person. The work is illustrated with a frontispiece portrait of “A Nondescript” made by Lowry and woodcuts in text; it would eventually influence young naturalists as Darwin and Wallace;- Original paper boards with a paper label to the top of the spine. Its an Original copy of a great work and an early travel book of South America. 
Charles Waterton, was born in Walton Hall near Wakefield, Yorkshire, England, in 1782; died there in 1865. His family, originally from Lincolnshire, had migrated to Yorkshire several centuries before and its pre-Reformation members in many cases were eminent in the service of the State. Staunch Royalists as well as Catholics, they suffered from England's changes of faith and allegiance, and by the constant exactions and fines of penal times they become much impoverished. Charles's mother was a Bedingfeld of Inburgh, Norfolk, granddaughter of Sir Henry, the third baronet, and his paternal grandmother was Mary More, the seventh in descent from Blessed Thomas, the martyred chancellor. In his tenth year Charles was sent to a small Catholic school at Tudhoe, near Durham, the first English home of Mr. Jutine Ushaw. Thence he passed in 1796 for his higher studies to Stonyhurst. His four years' stay at Stonyhurst, while it succeeded in making him a good Latin scholar, developed still more his early passion for natural history, especially for the study of ornithology."By a mutual understanding, he writes in his "Autobiography", I was considered rat-catcher to the establishment, and also fox-taker, foumart- killer, and cross-bow charger at the time when the young rooks were fledged. . . I followed up my calling with great success. The vermin disappeared by the dozen; the books were moderately well thumbed; and according to my notion of things, all went on perfectly right." On leaving school the Peace of Amiens in 1802 gave him his first chance of travelling.

An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: 
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Marcus Rainsford;
An Historical Account of the Black Empire of Hayti: 
Comprehending a View of the Principal Transactions in the Revolution of Saint Domingo; with Its Antient  and Modern State.
Price $ 2,500 Buy Now.​

               Published in London: Albion Press : Published by James Cundee, 1805. 1st. Edition. Original three quarter brown leather binding with red marbled paper covers, the covers are warped, slightly curved, but original;-  Book plate of one His Royal Highness, Frederick Duke of York , inside front cover.  Ads of the publisher's to the back pages. 11 plates as called for at the back of book are present;- Frontispiece and engraved plates by J. Barlow after drawings by the author, letter facsimile, Fold-out Map of the island of St. Domingo, Fold-out Plan of the City of Cape Francois as it existed before the revolution. Includes A Succinct historical View of the Colonies of Hispaniola and St. Domingo, Origin of the Revolutionary Spirit of this Period in St. Domingo, Account of the Progress and Accomplishment of the Independence of St. Domingo, State of Manners on the Independence of the Blacks in St. Domingo, View of the Black Army, and of the War between the French Republic and the Independent Blacks of St. Domingo, On the Establishment of a Black Empire, the Black Army, a very particular military force, created for the sole purpose of the Revolution-, both in very particular attires, a map of Santo Domingo, a plan of the city of the French Cape and nine plates with military and costumes views,  some folding-, made by J. Barlow after the drawings of the Author. Of particular interest, is one engraved plate entitled ‘The Mode of exterminating the Black Army’, as practiced by the French, showing a French soldier about to strike a soldier of the Black Army over a boat and members of the Black Army being destroyed by dogs in the water. Ostensibly a history of the Islands of Hispaniola and Santo Domingo, from their discovery by the Spanish until 1789, including the relations of the religious revolution, the independence of the natives and the black slaves from Africa, the Black Armada and the war with the French Republic. This is a very Rare/Scarce book, in good condition;- The Original Binding is not perfect, but is original;- Scarce/Rare;-

The History of the Maroons
Price $2,750. Buy Now

Dallas, R. C. (Robert Charles)
The History of the Maroons, from their origin to the establishment of their chief tribe at Sierra Leone, including the expedition to Cuba, for the purpose of procuring Spanish Chasseurs and the state of the island of Jamaica for the last ten years, with a succinct history of the island previous to that period;- 1803

     Published in London:  by A. Strahan for T.N. Longman and O. Rees. 1803 - 2 Volume;- 2 Fold-out Maps;-1st. Edition;- Original three quarter brown leather bindings and marbled paper cover. Gilt lettering and decorations to the both spines. 
  
 Volume 1. Frontispiece;- 1. Old Cudjoe making Peace,
2.  A very large fold-out  Map of Jamaica;-
3. A very large fold-out  Map, The Seat of the Maroon War,
359 pages to volume 1. 
  
 Volume 2. Frontispiece;- 1. A Caffeur of the Island of Cuba,
514 page in total to volume 2. 

    This is an account of the runaway slaves of the Spanish in 18th century Jamaica and their struggles for independence under the British. These 2 volumes contain a brief history of Jamaica under Spanish rule; its conquest by Britain; the Earl of Belcarres and other early administrators; the origin of the Maroons; Juan de Bolas and the Clarendon rebels; the Maroon chief Cudjoe and his activities during the 1730's fighting; the 1739 treaty between the British and the Maroons; origins of the Second Maroon War in the 1790's; declaration of martial law; burning of Maroon towns; progress of the war under General Walpole; Maroon raids on British planters; the use of Cuban attack dogs on the natives; the Maroons' surrender and terms of the peace; and much more. An appendix at the end prints legislation regarding slavery, votes of the Jamaican assembly, and legal depositions of Maroon prisoners and British natives. There is an engraved frontispiece of a Cuban "chasseur" (dog-handler) and two folding maps- one of Jamaica and the other of the Cock-Pits area in the interior of Jamaica where the Second Maroon War was fought. Errata page to the last page of volume 2, and the final back page of volume 2 is an Ad for Lately Published by T. N. Longman and O. Rees. Highly collectable books, in fine condition, with the fold-out maps in fine condition; Rare/Scarce. ​

The Election Of Mr. Lincoln:
A Narrative Of The Contest In 1860 For
The Presidency Of The United States
Price $17,500 Buy Now

CuchevaClarigny, Philippe Athanase

The Election Of Mr. Lincoln: 

A Narrative Of The Contest In 1860 For 

The Presidency Of The United States

Published by James Ridgway;- Piccadilly London 1861. 1st. Edition of this very Scarce/Rare ORIGINAL Pamphlet;-  91 pages. dis-bound. ORIGINAL Publishers condition;- had no covers. In very fine condition;-  Translated from the ‘Revue des Deux Mondes’  by Sir Willoughby Jones, Bart. No other ORIGINAL copies to be found.

100,000 Emigrants Wanted!
The Commonwealth of Missouri; 
Price $ 2,500 Buy Now

100,000 Emigrants Wanted!

The Commonwealth of Missouri; 

Or, The Empire State of the American Union. 

by L. U. Reavis. 

Published by Smyth & Yerworth;-  London;-  1880;- Length, 57 & 6 page of Ads to the back pages pages. Original Pamphlet;-Original light blue covers with black lettering within a black line border; Ads to the back & inside back page. & also the inside front page cover;- This Pamphlet is Scarce/Rare and highly collectable;- In very fine condition. 

Statistics of the Jews of the United States, 
Price $2,500 Buy Now

Statistics of the Jews of the United States, 

Compiled under the Authority of the Board of Delegates of American Israelites, and the Union of American Hebrew Congregations.

Published by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 1880;- ORIGINAL 1st. Edition Pamphlet in original grayish paper covers with black lettering to the front cover;- 59 pages in total, Old tape along the spine;- in highly collectable condition. 

In the nineteenth century, American Jews, seeking to strengthen Judaism against its numerous Christian competitors in the marketplace of American religions, introduced various religious innovations, some of them borrowed from their neighbors. Young Jews in Charleston, dissatisfied with the "apathy and neglect" they saw manifested toward their religion, somewhat influenced by the spread of Unitarianism, fearful of Christian missionary activities that had begun to be directed toward local Jews, and, above all, passionately concerned about Jewish survival in a free society, created the breakaway "Reformed Society of Israelites for Promoting True Principles of Judaism According to Its Purity and Spirit." This was America's first Reform congregation, with an abbreviated service, vernacular prayers, and regular sermons. Traditional congregations also "Protestantized" some of their practices, introducing regular English sermons and more decorous modes of worship.

Meanwhile, communal leaders, led by the Traditionalist Jewish religious leader of Philadelphia, Isaac Leeser, emulated and adapted Protestant benevolent and education techniques--Sunday schools, hospitals, the religious press, charitable societies, and the like--in order to strengthen Judaism in the face of pressures upon Jews to convert. Among other things, Leeser produced an Anglo-Jewish translation of the Bible, founded a Jewish publication society, and edited a Jewish periodical, The Occident and American Jewish Advocate, which attempted in its pages to unite the diverse voices of the American Jewish community. He also rallied his community to respond to incidents of anti-Jewish persecution around the world.

The Alabama Claims;-1872
Price $2,500 Buy Now

The Alabama Claims;-1872

 Published for the National Union of Conservative and Constitution Associations, 53 Parliment Street, Westminster. S. W. 

Printed by The Central Press Company ( Limited ), 112 Strand. 1872. ORIGINAL1st. Edition  Pamphlet of 1872;- Original tan paper covers with black lettering to the front page;- Old tape along the spine;- 9 pages in total, complete;- Scarce/ Rare, early report on the State of Alabama;- no other copies to be found;- Highly collectable in very fine condition;- 

Codrington College, 
In The Island Of Barbados ;- 1847
Price $2,500 Buy Now

Codrington College, 

In The Island Of Barbados ;- 1847

Published for The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel;- London 1847;- Frontispiece of Codrington College in Barbados, with tissue guard, plus one other plate of the Estate Chapel. Original purple embossed cloth covers. With gilt lettering to the front covers. 64 pages in total...This little book is Scarce/Rare, and Highly Collectable. It was established by the will of General Christopher Codrington who died in 1710.

Christopher Codrington was a British soldier and Colonial Governor, whose father was Captain-General of the Leeward Isles, he was born in the island of Barbados, in 1668. Educated at Christ Church, Oxford, he was elected a Fellow of All Souls.In 1697, on the death of his father, he was appointed Captain-General and Commander-in-Chief of the Leeward Isles.  He died on the 7th of April 1710, bequeathing these estates to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts for the Foundation of a College in Barbados. This College, known as the Codrington College, was built in 1714-1742. To All Souls College, Oxford, he bequeathed books worth 6000 and 10,000 in money, out of which was built and endowed the Codrington Library there.

The History of the Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards;
Price $3,000 Buy Now

Antonio de Solis;-  (Translated by Thomas Townsend) 

The History of the Conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards 

      Published in  London ;- by T. Woodward, J. Hooke and J. Peele 1724. 1st. Edition Folio;- 8 Engraved Plates including  2 Maps, one panoramic.  Written as "five" books - the pagination is inconsistent - probably as published. Subscribers' list to front pages. Errata Page to the last page. The 8 Plates are in very fine condition. This is the 1st. English Edition;- Its a very clean and collectable copy; Scarce with the 8 Plates and Maps.

Plate 1. A Fold-out Map of the Pacific or South Sea. Gulf of Mexico;-

Plate 2. A Engraved Plate of The Lake of Mexico;-

Plate 3. A very large Fold-out Plan of The Great Causey ;- 

Plate 4. A Fold-out Plan of The City of Mexico;-

Plate 5. A Fold-out Plan of The Great Temple of Mexico;- 

Plate 6. A very large Fold-out Plan of Cortez meeting;- 

Plate 7. A Fold-out Plan of The Engagement Spanish Boats and the Canoes of Mexicans;- 

Plate 8. A Fold-out of Guatimozin taken in his Retreat by Holguin;- 

Original brown leather binding with lettering to the top of the spine;-  Early travel books of the Americas are very sort after and highly collectable, particularly with early maps...the 1st. fold-our map, also includes the Island of Cuba, the tip end of Florida, Jamaica, Trinidad;- and many other Islands;- Mexico was called then New Spain. Texas was part of Mexico at the time;-

The History of the Pyrates;-
Price $1,500 Buy Now

The History of the Pyrates;-

contemporary panelled calf, relabelled with gilt, 413pp, for T.Woodward London,1724. The second part of this scarce two volume history of the pirates complete with engraved folding map and publisher's advertisement at rear. No copies to be found anywhere on the world wide web..There is some dispute regarding the author of this book, however it is believed to be Daniel Defoe. Volume 2 Only..

The author has remained unknown in spite of numerous attempts by historians to discover his or her identity. Many scholars have suggested that the author could have been either Daniel Defoe or the publisher Nathaniel Mist (or somebody working for him).

In his book, The Republic of Pirates, Colin Woodard states:

Recently, Arne Bialuschewski of the University of Kiel in Germany has identified a far more likely candidate:  Nathaniel Mist, a former sailor, journalist, and publisher of the Weekly Journal. The book's first publisher of record, Charles Rivington,   had printed many books for Mist, who lived just a few yards from his office. More importantly, the General History was registered at Her Majesty's Office in Mist's name. As a former seaman who had sailed the West Indies, Mist, of all London's writer-publishers, was uniquely qualified to have penned the book...Mist was also a committed Jacobite.. which could explain the General History's not entirely unsympathetic account of the maritime outlaws.

A General History introduced many features which later became common in pirate literature, such as pirates with missing legs or eyes, the myth of pirates burying treasure, and the name of the pirates flag the Jolly Roger.  The author specifically cites two pirates as having named their flag Jolly Roger; Welsh pirate  Bartholonew Roberts  in June, 1721, and English pirate  Francis Spriggs in December 1723. In giving an almost mythical status to the more colourful characters, such as the infamous English pirates Blackbeard and Calico Jack,  the book provided the standard account of the lives of many people still famous in the 21st century, and influenced pirate literature of Robert Louis Stevenson and J.M.Barrie.  

The book was released in two volumes. The first mostly deals with early 18th century pirates, while volume II records the exploits of their predecessors a few decades earlier. In the first volume "Johnson" sticks fairly close to the available sources, though he embellishes the stories somewhat. He stretches the truth farther in the second volume, and includes the biographies of three subjects who may be entirely fictional. The book has been hugely influential in shaping popular notions of piracy, and in 1925 the pirate historian Philip Gosse wrote;

"Not a long while ago it was the custom to smile indulgently at Johnson's History as being a mixture of fact and fancy, but from time to time old documents have been rescued from some dusty nook of oblivion which have proved his good faith. Many of the incidents looked upon as imaginary are found all to be absolutely accurate in date and circumstance".

While the majority of facts in Johnson's History have proven to be accurate, it is likely that he used considerable licence in his accounts of pirate conversations.

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