Books and Manuscripts

(Snowden, Richard)
The American Revolution; Written in the Style of Ancient History
Philadelphia: Printed by Jones, Hoff & Derrick, and Jacob Johnson & Co., 1793-94. In two volumes. First edition. 12mo. xii, 226; (xii), 216 pp. Contemporary American binding by J. Stitt, Rochester of full tree calf, red morocco spine labels, stamped in gilt; all edges trimmed; and with his binder’s ticket on front paste-down of each volume; top portion of front paste-down in each volume excised; contemporary ownership signature on title-page of each volume and in pencil on final page of each; scattered soiling and spotting to text. Sabin 85589; Evans 26179 and 27716

Scarce history of the American Revolution, written by Richard Snowden in a biblical, or “ancient” style reminiscent of a classical epic, and targeted to schoolchildren. As Snowden writes in the Preface, “The style of ancient history was chosen, both for its conciseness and simplicity, and therefore the most suitable to the capacities of young people.”