A Fine Collection of American Literature and History

London: Printed for J. Almon, 1780. First edition. 4to. viii, 140, lxii, (2) pp. Illustrated with an engraved folding map and five engraved folding plans with hand-colored outlining (two with engraved overlays), by William Faden. Contemporary full tan calf, red morocco spine label, stamped in gilt, old rebacking, spine and extremities dry and chipping; all edges trimmed; minor wear on surface of front paste-down from the now-removed book-plate of Arthur Chichester, 1st Marquess of Donegall (1739-1799), with offsetting onto front free endpaper; scattered light foxing and toning to text leaves; offsetting to plates. Howes B-968; Sabin 9255; Nebenzahl, Battle Plans of the American Revolution, 48, 51, 52, 53, 56, 57

First edition of British General John Burgoyne's defense of his command during the failed campaign of 1777 during the American Revolution. Assigned to Canada in 1776 to defend Quebec from the Americans, in 1777 the British devised a plan to gain control of the Hudson Valley and cut the rebellious New England states off from the rest of America, thus smothering the revolution. To execute this plan Burgoyne led an offensive from the north, British General William Howe from south, and Barry St. Leger from the west, with the goal to unite in Albany, New York. The campaign failed after Howe decided to capture Philadelphia instead of reinforcing Burgoyne's troops in Northern New York, a disastrous decision for the British that resulted with Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga to American General Horatio Gates. It was a stinging and consequential loss for the British that marked a turning point in the war, and resulted in France joining the conflict in support of the United States early the following year. Upon his return to England, Burgoyne faced severe criticism for the British defeat, and he published this volume in 1780 as a means to defend his actions. In it, he largely lays the blame for the British loss on General Howe, who resigned his command in April 1778.