Description
First edition of The Rise of the Dutch Republic by John Lothrop Motley, finely bound by Carswell in Belfast.
Octavo, [three volumes], ix, [1]-579pp; 1-582pp; 1-664pp. Three-quarter brown morocco, marbled paper boards with matching endpapers. Gilt-ruled trim on covers. Top edge gilt. Title in gilt on spines, five raised bands with gilt decorations. Stamped on verso of front free endpapers “Carswell. Binder. Belfast.” Solid text blocks, light rubbing to edges, touch of shelf wear. Volume I has previous owner’s name in ink on verso of front free endpaper and bookseller’s label on front pastedown.
John Lothrop Motley (1814-1877) served as the United States Minister to Austria during the Lincoln administration and the Minister to the United Kingdom in the Grant administration. He was an avid historian and was best known for this three-volume work, which he later continued in a four-volume set titled History of the United Netherlands (1860-1867).
