Description
Salesman’s Dummy copy of The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government by Jefferson Davis, published in 1881.
Octavo, [2], [30pp], [30 ruled pages for subscribers]. Publisher’s brown pebbled cloth, title stamped in gilt on front cover, scattered white speckling on front panel. Patterned endpapers. Includes 16 engraved plates found in the first edition of Rise and Fall. The first 30 pages are samples from the forthcoming text. The subscriber’s list is blank. Includes two binding backstraps on pastedown, featuring the full brown morocco and full sheepskin binding. Both hinges show wear, but stable. Solid text block. Offsetting from backstrap samples to endpapers, scattered foxing to plates.
(Eicher 154) (Howes D120) (Nevins II: 51)
A scarce work, with only two known copies appearing on the public market.
Written by Jefferson Davis (1808-1889), the former President of the Confederate States, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government is considered the magnum opus of the Southern cause. It remains a controversial historical piece, with its attempt to justify the Southern cause for secession. Davis followed it with A Short History of the Confederate States of America, completed shortly before his death in 1889.
