The History of the Navy of the United States of America.
Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1939. First. hardback. Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1839. FIRST EDITION. 2 volumes, octavo (235 x 145 mm). 1-394, 1-481 pp. One engraved map and one plan as frontispieces. First authoritative (and still highly regarded) history of the Navy from its origins during the Revolutionary War until the close of the War of 1812. Cooper, who had served as a midshipman from 1808-1811 and was familiar with many of the officers who became heroes during the latter conflict, began work on this project in 1824 and first publicly announced his intention to publish such a work at a dinner given in his honor before his departure for Europe in May 1826: “Encouraged by your kindness ... I will take this opportunity of recording the deeds and sufferings of a class of men to which this nation owes a debt of gratitude—a class of men among whom, I am always ready to declare, not only the earliest, but many of the happiest days of my youth have been passed.”: Returning home in 1833, he concentrated on completing this work, which was published six years later to much acclaim. Howes C-748; Sabin 16442. Original brown pebble-grain cloth binding, lettered and decorated in gilt on the spine (some fading to the spine, light wear); spotting to pages, occasionally heavy, otherwise contents clean and bright. Item #92
Price: $375.00