Recueil d'Estampes Representant les Differents Evenemens

Recueil d'Estampes representant les differents evenemens de la guerre qui a procure l'independence aux Etats Unis de l'Amérique. Paris: Nicolas Ponce & François Godefroy, engravers, [1784?]



Engraved throughout, small folio (11 1/8 x 8 5/8 in.; 282 x 220 mm). Engraved title, 2 maps and 13 engraved plates numbered 1-16, each plate 7 1/2 x 8 5/8 in.; 190 x 219 mm., each with a tissue guard; some marginal spotting. Contemporary blue marbled boards; rubbed and scuffed. Blue half-morocco folding-case, gilt-stamped title on spine.

Howes C576; Sabin 68421

First edition of this beautiful series of plates often cited as the first French book on the "United States" since it used that name in the title. This work was of great influence in creating the iconographic model for the new democracy.

The series consists of a title with medallions offering a summary of the Revolutionary War, twelve images engraved by Ponce and Godefroy after compositions by Godefroy, Fauvel, Le Barbier, Le Paon, Marillier, Lanson and William, and two contemporary maps of the European colonies, and of the concessions England made to France and Spain according to the Treaty of Versailles. Each plate has accompanying text engraved by Claude Niquet.