Lot 1687
Washington, Two Special Biographies. Lot of two books, hard-to-find biographies of Washington, written when his legacy was still fresh in the American psyche.
Alden, Rev. Joseph, The Jewish Washington; or Lessons of Patriotism and Piety Suggested by the History of Nehemiah (Massachusetts Sabbath School Society, 1846). Ink note on first page "Westminister, Mass / S.S. Library." Wear to boards; scattered foxing throughout; faint waterstain at bottom edge of several pages; tight. Overall, very good condition.
Corry, John, The Life of George Washington, First President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the Armies (M'Carty & White, 1809). Wear to covers; handful of loose back pages; pencil and ink notes and sketches inside covers; foxing and toning scattered throughout; water/dampstains at various points. Overall, a worn book, but complete and in good condition. An decent copy of a scarce book.
We have not seen The Jewish Washington before and are fascinated by the mingling of religious and patriotic virtues in this small volume. Published as an instructional religious text, it focuses on the life of Nehemiah, while using the lessons of Washington's religious beliefs and political activities to illustrate it's points about virtue and religious fervor being rewarded.
Published for around 700 subscribers, The Life of Washington offered here apparently went to one of the Davis family subscribers, as two of the names written in the first pages have the surname Davis. Published a mere 10 years after Washington's death, the tone of the biography is clear in the author's preface, "…The following biography is a narrative of facts. The virtues of Washington require no adventitious embellishment; like the sun, they are visible by their own lustre…" A window onto Washington's impact on the new nation's developing self-image.
Estimated Value $150 - 250.
|
| |
| Realized $242 |
