1778 · Lancaster [Pa.
by Sharp, Anthony [pseudonym]
Lancaster [Pa.: Printed and Sold by Francis Bailey, 1778. [30]pp. (lacking pp.[31-36]), including in- text woodcut illustrations. 12mo. Illustrated printed self-wrappers, stitched (one thread of two lacking). First leaf detached, with portion of upper inner corner (1 1/2 x 1 inch) torn away. Marginal dampstaining on front leaf, significant dampstain on remaining leaves. Good. Revolutionary War issue of Francis Bailey's LANCASTER ALMANACK, with significant patriotic content. Francis Bailey, an official printer to both the U.S. Congress and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, operated a printing press in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from 1773 to 1780, during which time he produced numerous important federal documents, including the first official printing of the Articles of Confederation. In the same year that he published the present volume, Bailey printed a German- language almanac in which George Washington was first dubbed "the father of his country" ("Des Landes Vater").
The front cover of the 1779 ALMANACK features a large, elaborate woodcut scene combining themes of astronomy, America, and liberty. In addition to the calendar, the volume includes various recipes and maxims, patriotic verse, and an account of Ethan Allen's reply to Gen. Howe's proposal that he desert the American cause and join the British army. The illustration, "The Anatomy of Man's Body, as governed by the Twelve Constellations," appears on page [5]. A scarce volume, with only four copies located between NAIP and OCLC. DRAKE 10073. EVANS 16054. HILDEBURN 3808. ESTC W32746 (Inventory #: WRCAM37656)
The front cover of the 1779 ALMANACK features a large, elaborate woodcut scene combining themes of astronomy, America, and liberty. In addition to the calendar, the volume includes various recipes and maxims, patriotic verse, and an account of Ethan Allen's reply to Gen. Howe's proposal that he desert the American cause and join the British army. The illustration, "The Anatomy of Man's Body, as governed by the Twelve Constellations," appears on page [5]. A scarce volume, with only four copies located between NAIP and OCLC. DRAKE 10073. EVANS 16054. HILDEBURN 3808. ESTC W32746 (Inventory #: WRCAM37656)