The History of Printing in America, with a Biography of Printers, and an Account of Newspapers. In Two Volumes (Complete)

[Printing] Thomas, Isaiah

Published by Joel Munsell, Albany, NY, 1874

About this Item

Octavo. lxxxvii, [1], 423; viii, 666, [2], 47 (index) pp., frontis, plate. Second edition, with the author's corrections and additions, and a catalogue of American publications prior to 1776. Volumes V and VI of Archaeologia Americana. Transactions and Collections of the American Antiquarian Society. In modern morocco-backed marbled paper boards. Light wear to the bindings; fore-edge of the preliminaries are lightly chipped; a few signatures sit proud; contents toned. Pencil marginalia throughout offering corrections and elaboration. We have not assessed the accuracy of these notations, but they certainly appear precise and informed. A nice set. Originally issued in 1810, this is certainly the most important history of colonial and federal era American printers. The cataloguers for the Grolier Club exhibition called it "the recognized authority on printing in the United States from 1640-1800. Much of the material which is contains can be found nowhere else" Grolier, American 100, 29. In this second edition, the alternations and additions generally are from a corrected manuscript held by the American Antiquarian Society and from which Munsell worked. One omission of note is Thomas's history of printing in Europe that was part of the first edition. Additions of note not by Thomas are Benjamin Franklin Thomas's memoir of Isaiah Thomas; an essay on printing in South America, by John R. Bartlett; and Haven's 'Catalogue of Publications in what is now the United States, prior to the Revolution of 1775--6.' This, Sabin tells us, "had its nucleus in notes by Thomas, was also issued separately and is usually known as 'Haven's list.' The death of the latter in the Civil War prevented its final revision" Sabin 95406. Howes T-168 "aa"; Bigmore and Wyman III, p. 9-10; Streeter 4395. Seller Inventory # 8719

Bibliographic Details

Title: The History of Printing in America, with a ...

Publisher: Joel Munsell, Albany, NY

Publication Date: 1874

Binding: Quarter Leather

Condition: Very Good binding