London: Richard Phillips, 1804-1807. First London edition. (In octavo). Overall a near fine and much cleaner set than is usually found with the folding plates and maps in excellent and undamaged state. Five octavo volumes (8 3/16 x 5 1/8 inches; 208 x 131 mm.). xxxvi, 579, [1], 2 folding maps; folding engraved frontispiece; viii, 245, 254-633, [3]; folding engraved frontispiece; viii, 570, folding engraved frontispiece and engraving on last page; viii, 684; viii, 843, [5], 10 folding maps, pp. Complete with three folding plates, one vignette and twelve folding maps. Volume two with paper flaw tear (no loss of text) on O2 (pp. 195-196), volume three title-page with small paper flaw crease on blank fore margin, volume four with small paper flaws to lower corner of O2 (pp. 195-196) and upper blank margin of SS7 & SS8 (pp. 637-640). A few minor marginal stains throughout and some very light and occasional browning of the text to volume five. Bound in contemporary mottled sheep, spine ruled in gilt, red morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, three faded, one missing. The hinges and spine extremities have been expertly restored. A near fine, sound and very attractive set - rarely found in its original binding. With the uniform, early ink signature of Peter Trezevant on each front flyleaf.

A fundamental biography of America’s most important political figure. In this significant work Marshall keeps George Washington’s personality and character alive while simultaneously providing an immediate account of early American history. Washington’s biography was written by the longest serving Chief justice of the Supreme court, John Marshall (1755-1835). Not only was Marshall a previous member of the House who served as John Adam’s Secretary of State, but he was a friend of George Washington having served with him during the American Revolution. Marshall based his five-volume text in part of the personal papers that Washington had bequeathed his nephew Bushrod. The first London edition has five plates that were omitted in the Philadelphia edition and is the only complete edition of this monumental and indispensable work, according to Howes, the best edition of all.

Howes M317. Sabin 44788. Near Fine (Item #6447)