Description
The first edition of the Biographical Memoirs of the Illustrious Gen. George Washington by Thomas Condie, published in 1800. This work was published two months after the death of George Washington, on December 14, 1799, the earliest known complete biography of the late president.
The first edition of the Biographical Memoirs of the Illustrious Gen. George Washington by Thomas Condie, published in 1800. This work was published two months after the death of George Washington, on December 14, 1799, the earliest known complete biography of the late president. Sixteenmo, [2], ii, [5]-243pp, [1]. Original full brown tree calf, partial title in gilt over red morocco label on spine. Rubbing to joints, wear at tips, front hinge reinforced with archival repair. Occasional toning throughout, free of marginalia. Previous ownership notation on the title page, name in pencil on rear endpaper.
(Sabin 15176) (Evans 37222) (Howes C-664)
A scarce work, with only three other copies appearing on the market in the last 100 years.
This work first appeared in 1798, the year before the death of Gen. Washington, compiled by Thomas Condie and published in Philadelphia Monthly Magazine. The expanded complete work, this book, was hurried into production and appeared on the market in February, 1800, being the earliest known complete biography after the death of George Washington. Subsequent editions were printed in Philadelphia (1801), Trenton (1811), Battleborough (1811), and Hartford (1813). (W.S. Baker, Early Sketches of George Washington, p.8)
