STITH, William.

History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia: Being An

Item #48541

STITH, William. History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia: Being An Essay Towards A General History of this Colony [bound with:] An Appendix to the First Part of the History of Virginia.... Williamsburg: William Parks, 1747. Two volumes bound in one, as usual. viii,331pp. (pp.305-41 misnumbered 295-331),[1]; v,[1],34pp. Contemporary speckled calf, red gilt morocco label. Front hinge weak, worn at spine ends, boards with some old scrapes in the calf. Signature "X" printed on paper that has more foxing than the other signatures, as usual, signature "CC" tanned. Bookplate on front pasetedown, early ownership signature of "T.T. Gantt" on titlepage. Overall about very good, in original condition. BERG, WILLIAMSBURG IMPRINTS 58. EVANS 6071. SABIN 91860. SWEM 5325. HOWES S1014, "b." NAIP w023158. CHURCH 963. First edition, third issue of Stith's book, this issue possibly published as late as 1753. Stith's text is one of the first American histories to be written and printed in the British colonies, and the first such in Virginia. Stith, who was well connected in the colony, had access to numerous important sources, including the library of William Byrd of Westover, the personal recollections of Sir John Randolph, county court books, the official records of the London Company, and John Smith's seminal GENERALL HISTORIE OF VIRGINIA. Printing began in Virginia when William Parks established his press in Williamsburg in 1730. This is one of the earliest accessible Virginia imprints, and one of the most interesting. An appealing copy of a landmark book.

Price: $12,500.00