4 volumes, 8vo (210 x 126 mm). Contemporary tree sheep, smooth spines gilt, red morocco lettering pieces gilt (a few repairs, cut to upper cover vol. III, some light wear). Provenance: Jos. E. Smith (signatures); Ivory Hovey, Jr. (1770-1822), American sea captain (signatures, purchase note); M. M. Hedges, Tennessee manufacturer (signature, Chattanooga, Tenn. 1927). 

FIRST EDITIONS. "This work, of which the first three volumes were written by Burk, was continued after his death, in 1808, by Skelton Jones and Louis Hue Girardin. Much of the matter for Volume 4, which relates to the Revolution, was supplied by Thomas Jefferson" (Church). WITH THE RARE FOURTH VOLUME: Church, Howes and Sabin all note that Volume 4 is exceedingly rare, as most copies were destroyed in a fire. Church 1298; Howes B-971; Sabin 9723.