拍品 2093
  • 2093

(MADISON, JAMES). AN INTRODUCTION TO THE HISTORY OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC. LONDON: 1788. SIGNED BY MADISON

估價
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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描述

  • [Attributed to James Harris, first Earl of Malmesbury]. An Introduction to the History of the Dutch Republic, for the Last Ten Years, Reckoning from the Year 1777. London: G. Kearsley, 1788
8vo (8 1/8 x 5 in.; 206 x 127 mm). Half-title; light scattered foxing, expert restoration of inner margins of half-title and title. Modern period-style full brown tree calf, spine gilt in 6 compartments, red morocco lettering-piece.. Half morocco slipcase and chemise; scuffed.

來源

Emil Edward Hurja

出版

Rutland, James Madison: The Founding Father, p. 176

Condition

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
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拍品資料及來源

James Madison's copy of the introductory volume to A History of the Dutch Republic, signed by him on the title-page. As Madison's biographer Robert Rutland noted, "[N]o other occupant of the White House, not even his distinguished friend [Jefferson], relied so heavily on books to sustain him in his quest for knowledge …. His books contributed to his fundamental knowledge of the world: how it came into being, what its resources were, and how they might be used to aid mankind." Madison's personal library was quite large, and he bequeathed most of it to the University of Virginia. He reserved for his wife Dolley "the right to select such books and pamphlets as she would choose, not exceeding three hundred volumes." After Madison's death, however, many of the books were sold by Dolley and her son John Payne Todd, who were desperate to raise funds to pay debts. After years of delay, the University actually threatened suit. In the end, about 2000 volumes went to the university library. Most of these books were destroyed in a library fire in 1895.

Rare. Only six signed books from Madison's library appear in major auction records in the last four decades, and his books on history and government are particularly desirable.