Description
First edition of An Alphabetical Compendium of the Various Sects by Hannah Adams, published in 1784. Octavo, [2], ii, [2], 204pp, lxxxiii, [1 errata], [10pp appendix], [12pp subscribers]. Full calf, title in gilt on spine over red morocco. Wear at edges, some fraying of leather. Ownership inscription on front endpaper dated July, 1785. Toned throughout, light foxing to appendix. (Sabin 208) (Evans 18319)
Comments: Hannah Adams (1755 – 1831) was the first American woman to work professionally as a writer. She wrote numerous books on comparative religion, beginning with A View of Religions in 1784. In 1799 she published A Summary History of New-England. An autobiography was published posthumously by Hannah Farnharm Sawyer Lee, titled A Memoir of Miss Hannah Adams.