Stedman, Charles

The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War. London: Printed for the Author and sold by J. Murray, J. Debrett, & J. Kerby, 1794



2 volumes, 4to (10 5/8 x  8 1/4 in.; 270 x 209 mm).  Half-titles in both volumes, 15 engraved maps (11 folding); occasional light spotting, light offsetting on 4 maps. Contemporary polished tree-calf, blue edges; rebacked, endpapers renewed.

Howes S914; Sabin 91057

First edition, "considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side" (Sabin) and as one that "remains worthy of study" (Alden, American Revolution, p. 278). The maps accompanying this work count among the finest collections of plans depicting important military engagements assembled by an eyewitness.

Stedman was born in Philadelphia in 1753. A staunch loyalist, he served as an officer under Lord Percy at Lexington and Concord, under General Howe in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania campaigns, and under Cornwallis in the South. After the war, he retired to England where he was called upon to examine the claims of American Loyalists. He died at Paddington in 1812.