Burroughs, Stephen | The Streeter copy of the memoirs of a notorious American confidence man

Burroughs, Stephen 

Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs. Hanover, New Hampshire: Benjamin True, 1798; [with:] Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs...Vol. II. Boston: Caleb Bingham, 1804

2 vols., Vol. I, 8vo (210 x 115 mm), Vol. II, 12mo (171 x 103 mm). Title to each volume; browning, foxing, and staining, more severe to Vol. II, portrait of Stephen Burroughs on newsprint pasted to verso of title of Vol. II. Vol. I: full modern calf, gilt-lettered red morocco label to spine. Vol. II: full contemporary calf; neatly rebacked with gilt-lettered red morocco label to spine, rubbing to extremities with some restoration to two corners.  

First edition, with the rare second volume — the Streeter copy (x 2).

Stephen Burroughs was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, and quickly garnered a reputation as a difficult child. At fourteen, he ran away from home, joined the army, promptly deserted, and then enrolled at Dartmouth. Burroughs left Dartmouth before completing his studies, went to sea as a privateer, and impersonated a ship's physician. These are but a few in a long line of Burroughs' adventures and offenses. 

"One of the great criminal autobiographies, and an important piece of picaresque Americana" (Streeter). 

PROVENANCE

Thomas W. Streeter (bookplate; Parke-Bernet, 19 April 1967, lot 724; purchased from Whitman Bennett, 1943) — Frank S. Streeter (bookplates; Christie's New York, 16 April 2007, lot 84)  

REFERENCE

Evans 33478; Federal Hundred 72; Howes B1022 ("aa"); Sabin 9466; Streeter Sale 724 (this copy)