An Englishman's Sketch-Book; or, Letters from New York.
first edition
1828. · New York:
by Bloodgood, S. Dewitt.
8vo, cloth spine and boards, shortened title on top cover, rough edges, 195 pp. Top cover and front endpaper detached, upper and lower portion of spine missing, wear to cover and extremities, some foxing throughout; still a decent copy. This is a first edition of Bloodgood's (1799-1866) work, which was originally published as a series of letters in a city newspaper. His letters cover a range of topics from what he saw in America to various observations about the American people. Bloodgood seems impressed with the freedom of the press, and Americans’ appetite for the news. He also comments on the ambition of Americans. Some of his letters describe some of his experiences in America, including a steamboat ride to Philadelphia, watching horse racing in Brooklyn, and viewing the natural beauty of Niagara Falls. While not a perfect copy, it is complete, and the work is somewhat scarce. Shaw & Shoemaker 32401. (Inventory #: 104183)