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; and J. Kerby, 1794

2 volumes, 4to (10 1/2 x 8 1/4 in.; 265 x 210 mm). Half-titles in both volumes, 15 engraved maps (11 folding); occasional marginal foxing, slightly more pronounced in vol. 2, 4 short marginal tears to folding maps (one with early repair), maps of Fort Montgomery, Savannah, the Catawba River, and Guildford browned, some offsetting to maps and text offseting to blank versos of maps, marginal pencil notes in 2:223. Contemporary calf paneled gilt with a rope tool, smooth spines richly gilt with lettering and numbering pieces, marbled endpapers, edges plain; a few old stains on front board of vol. 2.

Acquisition: William Reese

Howes S914; JCB II:372; Sabin 91057

First edition, "considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side" (Sabin) and that "remains worthy of study" (Alden, American Revolution, p. 278). the maps accompanying this work illustrate actions at Bunker Hill, Long Island, New Jersey, Saratoga, Charleston, Camden, Guilford Court House, Yorktown, and other battle sites. They count among the finest collection of plans depicting important military engagements assembled by an eyewitness.