History of the Origin, Progress
Item #81136
STEDMAN, C[harles]. The History of the Origin, Progress and Termination of the American War. London: Printed for the Author, 1794. 1st ed. 4tos. 2 Vols. xv,399;vx,449,[14, index]pp. plus 15 engraved maps and plans (11 folding). Bound in contemporary 1/2 leather and marbled boards, housed in two cloth slipcases. Faint scattered foxing, else very good. HOWES S-914, "b." Gephart 1033. Lowndes V, p.2504. Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 89. Sabin 91057. "This work is fundamental to any collection of books relating to the American Revolution"-Reese. "Stedman's history is generally considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side. Stedman entered the army, served as an officer under Lord Percy at Lexington in 1775, and subsequently with Lord Howe in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and with Lord Cornwallis in the South"-Sabin. Stedman was a native of Philadelphia, who later became an examiner of Loyalist claims for the British government. He had firsthand knowledge of many of the campaigns and persons involved in the effort. He is critical of Howe, and describes all the major theaters of war, as well as individual battles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. The beautifully engraved maps (the largest of which is approximately 20 x 30 inches) constitute the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness. They depict the sieges of Savannah and Charlestown, plus the battles of Saratoga, Camden, Guilford, Hobkirk's Hill, and Yorktown.
Price: $14,000.00