1775. · Philadelphia
by [Continental Congress]
Philadelphia: Printed by William and Thomas Bradford, 1775.. [2],13pp. Half title. 19th-century three-quarter calf and marbled boards, spine gilt. Front board expertly reattached, spine ends worn. De- accessioned bookplate of the Library Company of Philadelphia on front pastedown, marked "duplicate" in ink. Moderate staining; outer upper margin of first five leaves repaired, not affecting text; bottom third of last leaf lacking, costing two-line dateline at the end of the text. Good. Inscribed "From Wm Bradford esq" on the half title. The very rare first edition of this crucial Revolutionary document - the declaration of Congress issued July 6, 1775, giving reasons for the American colonies taking up arms against Great Britain. This copy was inscribed by one of the book's printers, legendary Revolutionary War printer from Philadelphia, William Bradford, on the half title page: "From Wm Bradford esq."
Issued in the wake of the battles of Lexington and Concord and at Bunker Hill, and a year before the formal Declaration of Independence, the work is one of the most significant statements of the Continental Congress - a clear indication of the seriousness and intractability of the Americans. The work proclaims: "Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable." With this document the Continental Congress and the American colonies crossed the Rubicon - the road to independence became the only realistic path forward.
There were an additional seven printings in America in 1775, following this official Philadelphia printing by the Bradford brothers, reflecting its immediate importance to the American cause. Only COMMON SENSE appeared in more editions in the American colonies during this crisis period. A landmark work, of the greatest possible importance.
This copy was bought for $977.50 at Parke Bernet's auction of material from the Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania sale, January 20, 1970, lot 163, thus explaining the Library Company "duplicate" bookplate. It was bought by H. Richard Dietrich and has remained in his foundation's collection since that time. HOWES D198, "b." EVANS 14544. ESTC W30722. HILDEBURN 3189. SABIN 15522, 19159. AMERICAN CONTROVERSY 75-149a. REESE, REVOLUTIONARY HUNDRED 34. (Inventory #: WRCAM56869)
Issued in the wake of the battles of Lexington and Concord and at Bunker Hill, and a year before the formal Declaration of Independence, the work is one of the most significant statements of the Continental Congress - a clear indication of the seriousness and intractability of the Americans. The work proclaims: "Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable." With this document the Continental Congress and the American colonies crossed the Rubicon - the road to independence became the only realistic path forward.
There were an additional seven printings in America in 1775, following this official Philadelphia printing by the Bradford brothers, reflecting its immediate importance to the American cause. Only COMMON SENSE appeared in more editions in the American colonies during this crisis period. A landmark work, of the greatest possible importance.
This copy was bought for $977.50 at Parke Bernet's auction of material from the Library Company and Historical Society of Pennsylvania sale, January 20, 1970, lot 163, thus explaining the Library Company "duplicate" bookplate. It was bought by H. Richard Dietrich and has remained in his foundation's collection since that time. HOWES D198, "b." EVANS 14544. ESTC W30722. HILDEBURN 3189. SABIN 15522, 19159. AMERICAN CONTROVERSY 75-149a. REESE, REVOLUTIONARY HUNDRED 34. (Inventory #: WRCAM56869)