History of the War of the Independence of the United States of America. Translated from the Italian, by George Alexander Otis

Philadelphia: Printed for the translator, 1820. First edition in English. viii,[1],434; v,567; xii,503pp. 3 vols. 8vo. Contemporary tree calf, red morocco labels. Minor foxing. First edition in English. viii,[1],434; v,567; xii,503pp. 3 vols. 8vo. First English-language edition of this important early history of the American Revolution, first published in Italian in 1809. Howes calls it the "Most valuable history of the Revolution up to its date."

"This work grew out of a conversation held in 1806 in which those present were asked which modern event would make the best subject. Botta interpreted the American cause as a struggle for liberty. At every opportunity he excited the nationalistic aspirations of the Italians, and suggested analogies with Italy's past and contemporary history. Botta looked upon the creation of the United States as an example and inspiration for the formation of an Italy unified and free of foreign rule" (Hough). Jefferson owned a copy of the Italian first edition. In a letter to John Adams, Jefferson wrote that Botta (despite his habit of putting unattributed words into the mouths of his speakers), produced a history of the Revolution "with more detail, precision and candor than any writer I have yet met with." Howes B636; Sabin 6820; Hough, The Italians and the Creations of America 97; Larned 1241; American Imprints 551; Sowerby 509 (note); Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 96