Description
The first complete English translation of the Rosetta Stone by Henry Morton. The second edition of Report of the Committee appointed by the Philomathean Society by Henry Morton in 1859.
Octavo, [4], 136pp, [24p appendix], [24pp membership catalogue]. Publisher’s red cloth, title in gilt on spine, stamped in blind, vignette of sphinx on both covers in gilt. Stated “Second Edition” on the copyright page, following the first printing in 1858. Illustrated with numerous chromolithographic plates and text bordered with chromolithography. Brown endpapers, news clipping affixed to the front pastedown, ownership inscription on the second free endpaper, dated 1859. Both hinges strong. Light soiling to red cloth, light soiling to spine, cloth along front hinge showing wear. Includes numerous mispaginations, as is expected. (Ibrahim-Hilmy, II, p.101)
This work was the first book printed in the United States using only lithography. (Bennett, Plate Books, p.93)
This pioneering study on the Rosetta Stone, commissioned by the Philomathean Society, worked to make the findings of Jean-François Champollion and others accessible to an English-speaking audience. Morton’s work gained attention for its clarity, depth, and educational value, and it marked a significant contribution to classical and linguistic studies in the U.S.
