Proud, Robert | First draft of Proud's important History of Pennsylvania

Proud, Robert

The History of Pennsylvania, in North America, from the Original Institution and Settlement of that Province, under the first Proprietor and Governor William Penn, in 1681, till after the Year 1742. Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson, Jr., 1797-1798

2 volumes, 8vo (210 x 127 mm). Engraved portrait by Lawson after Barralet, engraved folding map by Thackara. Contemporary speckled calf; rebacked to style.

First edition

Between 1770 and 1780, Proud researched and wrote the first draft of his important History of Pennsylvania. He writes in his autobiography that during that time "I was partly employed in trade with my brother John Proud from England and partly during the distraction of the Country here, engaged, at the particular request of some Friends, in compiling and writing the History of Pennsylvania, in my retirement, a laborious and important work." It was not until the 1790s that Proud revised and sought to publish his history.

His 1806 autobiography continues: "I had reason to apprehend, if it was not then published, nothing of the kind so complete, even with all its defects, would be likely to be published at all; - which publication, tho' the best extant of the kind, or on that subject, as a true and faithful record instead of meeting with the expected encouragement, first given to the undertaking, as due to such a work, has since been strangely and manifestly opposed, or discouraged even by many of those, whom it most properly concerned to encourage and promote the same" (Published in PMHB 13:430).

REFERENCE

Church 1278; Evans 32729 and 34421; Howes P639; Sabin 66223