- 140
Smith, William
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- paper and ink
The History of the Province of New-York, from the First Discovery to the Year M.DCC.XXXII. A Description of the Country, with a short Account of the Inhabitants, their Trade, Religious and Political State, and the Constitution of the Courts of Justice in that Colony. London: Printed for Thoma Wilcox, 1757
4to (10 x 7 1/2 in.; 255 x 190 mm). Engraved folding frontispiece of a view of Oswego. A fine, bright copy. Contemporary calf; expertly rebacked with original spine laid down, boards somewhat scuffed.
4to (10 x 7 1/2 in.; 255 x 190 mm). Engraved folding frontispiece of a view of Oswego. A fine, bright copy. Contemporary calf; expertly rebacked with original spine laid down, boards somewhat scuffed.
Provenance
Thomas Jones (signature on front pastedown). Acquisition: Ursus Rare Books
Literature
Church 1023; Howes S703; Sabin 84566; Streeter 2:871
Condition
4to (10 x 7 1/2 in.; 255 x 190 mm). Engraved folding frontispiece of a view of Oswego. A fine, bright copy. Contemporary calf; expertly rebacked with original spine laid down, boards somewhat scuffed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
First edition of this "first and classic history of New York" (Streeter). Smith, a Loyalist, was justice of the province of New York but fled to Canada after the Revolution. He compiled his work chiefly from "the provincial Laws, the Minutes of the Council, the Journals of the General Assembly and other government records. He also acknowledges his indebtedness to Colden's History of the Five Indian Nations, and to Charlevoix" (Sabin). Although the history chronicles events only up to 1736, it contains elements that anticipated some aspects of the war of 1754–1760 (Church).