Books and Manuscripts

Warren, Mercy (Otis)
History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution. Interspersed with Biographical, Political and Moral Observations
Boston: Printed by Manning and Loring, for E. Larkin, 1805. In three volumes. First edition. 8vo. xii, 447; vii, (ii), 412; vi, (ii), 475 pp. Full contemporary tree calf, red morocco spine labels, stamped in gilt, bottom spine of first volume repaired, boards and extremities rubbed and moderately worn, corners worn, head of spine in first volume chipped; blue speckled edges; moderate to heavy foxing to text; scattered darkening to text leaves; small open tear in gutter, pp. 167/168 in first volume, not affecting text; loss in bottom corner, pp. 225/226 in third volume, not affecting text; loss in bottom fore-edge, pp. 229/230 in third volume, not affecting text. With the armorial book-plate of William H. Ludlow on front paste-down of each volume (remnants in second and third, and with now loose examples in same). Howes W-122; Sabin 101484; Shaw & Shoemaker 9687; Reese, The Revolutionary Hundred 93

First edition of Mercy Otis Warren's groundbreaking history of the American Revolution, considered the "first important historical work by an American woman." (Howes) One of the first and most comprehensive histories of the Revolution and one of the first non-fiction works by a woman published in America. History was released when Otis was 77, and was the culmination of her long 30-plus year pioneering career publishing poetry, plays, and political pamphlets, often in the service of the patriot cause. The work traces the Revolution from its beginnings with the Stamp Act through to the years after the war's end, and is noted for its "expert knowledge...of public affairs and for its lively and penetrating commentary upon the leading figures of the day." (DAB) 

Otis was the younger sister of Massachusetts revolutionary James Otis, Jr., and wife of patriot leader James Warren. Largely self-educated, Otis was steeped in the revolutionary ferment of 1760s Massachusetts, and through her voluminous correspondence and writings on political matters she became acquainted with the period's leading figures, including John and Abigail Adams, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, Catherine Macaulay, and George Washington.