The Library Collected by the Late Joseph B. Shea, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Classic Reprint)

Unlock a storied collection of American history and literature.

The Library Collected by the Late Joseph B. Shea surveys a life devoted to art, letters, and the past. This catalog describes a twofold treasure: historical Americana and English and American literature, with a focus on rare, well-preserved volumes that are often uncut and in original bindings. The edition highlights the meticulous standards Shea used—volumes chosen for condition, cleanliness, and potential for binding improvements when feasible.

The book explains how the collection evolves from Pittsburgh’s local history to trans-Allegheny discovery, frontier narratives, and a rich tally of narratives of Indian captivity. It also notes the sale’s timing—early January 1938—and the breadth of material beyond the Indian captivity narratives, including general historical and travel works, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the War of 1812. A special emphasis is placed on rare items and the impressive condition of most volumes, many still in their original bindings.

• Two major focus areas: historical Americana and early English and American literature.
• Detailed notes on condition, binding, and the care given to improve volumes when possible.
• Illustrative examples of rare narratives and significant historical materials.
• Clear sense of the collection’s breadth, from regional Pittsburgh history to wide Western exploration and settlement.

Ideal for readers and collectors of Americana, early travel and exploration works, and first editions of English and American authors.

The Library Collected by the Late Joseph B. Shea