Descripción
RAMSAY, DAVID. The History of the Revolution of South-Carolina, from a British Province to an Independent State. Trenton: Isaac Collins, 1785. 2 vols. xx, 453 p.; xx, 574 p.). 5 folding maps. Contemporary calf, rebacked retaining original spine labels. Large map neatly backed, dampstaining in both volumes. A good-plus copy. First edition of one of the classic accounts of the Revolutionary War in the South, written by a participant who was also a fine historian. Ramsay conceived the idea of writing the book while a British prisoner in Saint Augustine, Florida, in 1780 and 1781. Once the book was completed, it was almost certainly Ramsay's father-in-law, John Witherspoon, who suggested that it be printed by Isaac Collins in Trenton. Most copies were bound by Robert Aitken in Philadelphia. The five maps were engraved by Thomas Abernethie in Charleston. In an effort to reach the widest possible market, Ramsay had copies sent to London publisher Charles Dilly. However, Dilly was concerned that Ramsay had been pointedly critical of several army officers who still enjoyed the esteem of the British public and that to advertise the book for sale would expose him to attacks by the crown lawyers and perhaps to personal violence. He sold only a few copies, and the book was, in effect, banned in England. Poet Philip Freneau responded with a poem, "On prohibiting the sale of Dr. David Ramsay's history of the revolution of South-Carolina, in London." In April 1789 Ramsay petitioned Congress to have his work protected by a federal copyright, and it became the first book so protected when the first copyright act was passed by Congress in May 1790. For a detailed essay on the printing, publishing, and distribution of the book, see Felcone, Printing in New Jersey, 1754-1800: A Descriptive Bibliography, 418. Evans 19211; Wheat & Brun 545, 593-597; Streeter Sale 1135; Howes R36; ESTC 20465. N° de ref. del artículo 6780
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