American Autographs. Signatures include: Henry James, Sr.Wm.E. Russell, Mayor of CambridgeSara C. BullEllen M. StoneR. N. JohnsonLouise Imogen GuineyPaul H. HayneGeorge S. HillardOn the back of the sheet onto which the signatures are laid down is a note identifying each of the signatories, which ends, "All except R.N.J.––who is merely... Read More

New York: Underwood & Underwood, ca. [1920?]. Signed by the famous Congregationalist minister who took over Henry Ward Beecher’s congregation: “Yours sincerely / Lyman Abbott.”Provenance: C.N. Thomas of Underwood and Underwood. Read More

Boston: T. R. Marvin, 1845. The American Missionary Society was amongst the leading advocates in the fight to denounce slavery. This text gives an informative insight into one of the most influencial anti-slavery organization, in additin to an historical statement of previous proceedings. Read More

Albany: Webb, Parson & Company, 1860. First Edition. Stirring abolitionist sermon, equating “our American Herod” with “the enslavement of four million colored laboring men and women by three hundred and fifty thousand white men and women.” As for John the Baptist, “that old Hebrew way of disposing of sin has... Read More

Boston: William Carter and Brother, 1863. Second edition (?). Parsons (1797-1882) was a professor in the Harvard Law School. Secession came as a rude shock to his belief that the work of the constitutional fathers was "near to the perfection of republican government." Here, he argues that He can "discern... Read More

Philadelphia: Printed by John Richards, 1839. First edition. The Quakers’ long and honorable opposition to slavery — from as early as the 17th century — is well documented. Read More

Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851. First Edition. Reprinted from the North American Review, October, 1851. The author carefully issues that include “how far and how fast is the institution of slavery susceptible of change and amelioration - what are the prospects of its being removed - and... Read More

New York: R. G. Williams, for The American Anti-Slavery Society, 1836. Brilliant example of this important publication, as it was originally issued, and in its original pictorial wrappers. The horrors of slavery are explored in America-- emphasizing the North's economic complicit and in returning fugitive slaves-- as well as Haiti... Read More

Boston: Beals & Greene, 1850. First edition. The Voices of Compromise, 1850. After the Compromise of 1850 was passed in the Fall of that year, threatening the freedom and rights of escaped slaves, violent protests broke in several Northern states, and many abolitionist were urging defiance of the law. Alarm... Read More

Boston: A. T. Hotchkiss & W. P. Fetridge, 1853. Reprints the famous debate between Webster (“most famous American oration of the nineteenth century” — Howes) and Hayne over protective tariffs, in which issues of wide-ranging significance (States’ rights, slavery, the Constitution, etc.), were debated with the kind forensic brilliance rarely... Read More

Haddam Neck, CT: 1825-1856. A Connecticut Shoemaker's Account Book 1825-1856. A wonderful look at a craftsman's life in early 19th century Connecticut. Most of Clark's trade came from mending shoes, for which he averaged 40 cents a pair, his steadiest customers being members of the Brainerd family, an old and... Read More

London: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, 1775. First edition. “Best 18th century English source on the Southern tribes” (Sabin), written by “one of the most colorful figures in Southern colonial history” (Clark), a man who for forty years traded with the Indians. From 1735 until 1759 he traded with... Read More

Washington: [Privately printed at the Press of J. H. Furst Co., Baltimore.], 1910. First edition. Signed by Adams at the end of the introductory letter, as it seems that most copies were.Adams, historian and a direct descendant of John Quincy Adams, published and disseminated widely this present work. It is... Read More