Historical Collections of the State of New Jersey ...

1844. Howe, Henry. Howe, Henry. BARBER, JOHN W., and HENRY HOWE. Historical Collections of the State of New Jersey; Containing a General Collection of the Most Interesting Facts, Traditions, Biographical Sketches, Anecdotes, Etc. Relating to its History and Antiquities, with Geographical Descriptions of Every Township in the State. New York, 1844. 512 p. Illus. Plates (2 in color). Contemporary sheep. Text foxed, edges stained from turn-ins, binding scuffed--issues always found in the 1844 edition. Front hinge cracking at top.

First edition of the most popular general history of New Jersey, in a relatively rare essentially respectable original binding. Over the next 24 years the book went through several printings, each with minor revisions. The many charming woodcuts of town views are particularly appealing. The poor quality sheepskin used to bind this edition is usually found deteriorated beyond repair; this copy is a survivor. For a lengthy essay on this remarkable book, and a bibliographical analysis of the various editions, see Felcone, New Jersey Books (2nd edn.), 59-68, 2499-2501.