Rare 1830 Four-Volume Set of "The Writings of Thomas Jefferson" 2nd Edition
Item Details
A rare 1830 four-volume, second edition set of ‘The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, from the Papers of Thomas Jefferson,’ compiled and edited by Thomas Jefferson Randolph, published by Gray and Bowen of Boston. (The first edition was published in 1829.) The books were rebound in the late 19th century with leatherette spines and brown and tan mottled paper with red speckles to front and back. The book label with volume is affixed to each spine. The frontispiece has an engraving of Thomas Jefferson. Pages are numbered with deckled edges. A small label inside the cover indicates from ‘The Robert Clarks Co., Publishers and Booksellers, Cincinnati.’ Thomas Jefferson Randolph (1792-1875), was the grandson of Thomas Jefferson (daughter Martha’s eldest son) and executor of his estate. His collection was the first published of Jefferson’s papers. The memoir was written by Jefferson at the age of 77 and includes an appendix with a journal he kept when he served as Secretary of State. As noted in the preface of Vol. I, ‘Appended to the publication, is a ’Fac simile’ of the rough draught of the Declaration of Independence, in which will be seen the erasures, interlineations, and additions of Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, two of the appointed Committee, in the handwriting of each.’ They are included as a two fold-out pages in the book. Volumes II, III, and IV contain letters from 1775 to Jefferson’s death.
Condition
Overall good condition considering the age of these books. The spines are intact with affixed labels. The covers and board edges show wear. The pages have foxing but completely intact. Fold-out pages of Vol. I have minimal tearing on some folds.
Dimensions
Listed dimensions are for each book. Pages for each volume: Vol. 1, 464 pgs., Vol. 2, 500 pgs., Vol. 3, 518 pgs., Vol. 4 ,532 pgs.
Item #
14CIN017-006
