![[IRVING, WASHINGTON] A History of New York, From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty... by Diedrich Knickerbocker.](/sites/default/files/styles/auction_slider/public/images/lots/373/1462373.jpg?itok=INGlkdHH)
Lot Details
Lot 64
[IRVING, WASHINGTON] A History of New York, From the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty... by Diedrich Knickerbocker.
New York and Philadelphia: Inskeep & Bradford; Boston: William M'Ilhenney, and others, 1809. Two volumes, first edition, the Litchfield copy. Contemporary tree calf, gilt ruled and numbered spines, red leather spine labels lettered in gilt, slight variations in calf and decorations, in quarter brown morocco slipcases with chemises. 7 x 4 inches (17.5 x 10.5 cm) with vol II slightly shorter; vol I: xxii, [1], 268 pp., vol II: [2], 258 pp., with the rare folding plate of New Amsterdam in 1640 after Danckerts. Wear to calf, mostly at extremities, toning and occasional spotting to contents, vol. I rebacked, later leather spine label, text block a bit tight, short splits at folds and creasing at bottom of folding plate, vol II with crack at head of joints and repaired crack at head of spine, hinges cracked but sound, lacking end leaf, early ownership signature of Dr. George D. Foulke on title page of vol. I, armorial bookplate of Edward Hubert Litchfield on pastedowns of both volumes.
Washington Irving's satirical history of New York City, published here in the first edition under his pseudonym Dietrich Knickerbocker, is often styled the first great book of comic literature written by an American. Irving began writing his History in response to Mitchell's 1807 A Picture of new York. This copy belonged to Edward Hubert Litchfield, and was sold in his sale at Parke Bernet on 3-5 December, 1951. It was then purchased by Clendenin J. Ryan and sold at his sale, also at Parke Bernet, on 28-29 October 1958.
C Private Collection of Barbara and Ira Lipman
Additional Notes & Condition Report
No condition report? Click here to request one.