(GEORGE WASHINGTON), “THE LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON,” First Edition by John Marshall, Complete Five Volume Set, Plus Atlas with Maps, Philadelphia, PA, Printed by C.P. Wayne, Published between 1804 and 1807, Very Fine.
A nice complete rare First Edition of “THE LIFE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON,” Published between 1804 and 1807. It contains the rare Five Volume Complete Set plus the Atlas. The five volume set with contemporary mottled calf with inset gilt text red and brown morocco labels. Portrait with overall foxing, occasional light foxing otherwise as usual. One page of each volume has a torn corner at the top right removing the inscribed prior owners name, yet with no loss of text (likely being someone of historical autograph significance). The Atlas volume has marbled boards with the front cover spine somewhat loosening.

This important early work on the life and accomplishments of George Washington was written by John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court. It includes the full accompanying Atlas with Maps and Subscriber List. The frontispiece of the first volume is a steel plate engraving of Washington after Gilbert Stuart; it is foxed and toned where in contact with the engraving on the opposing page. Overall, a very nice superior quality set. Early American has enjoyed offering several complete sets with the Atlas in the past. This five-volume set and atlas are desirable because of the inherent value of the maps, the exceptional reading, and historical value, combined with the general rarity and popularity of the complete set. The last full set EAHA sold was in our 2019 auction which brought $6,000. Always in great collector demand. See: Baker: Bibliotheca Washingtonia, Page 49; Sabin 44788; Howes M317; Shaw/Shoemaker 6710; Boston Antheneum Washington Collection, page 351. (6 items).
Published between 1804 and 1807 in Philadelphia and London, this important early work on the life and accomplishments of George Washington was written by John Marshall, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

The frontispiece of the first volume is a steel plate engraving of George Washington after Gilbert Stuart; it is toned with scattered foxing. Volume I contains 488 pages, plus 45 pages of notes. Volume II is 560 pages long, with 72 pages of notes. Volume III is 580 pages long and has 28 pages of notes. Volume IV is 626 pages with 16 pages of notes. Volume 5 is 779 pages, followed by 36 pages of notes.

Sabin notes that later American editions did not contain the Colonial History; he also quotes Jared Sparks as stating that “after the able, accurate, and comprehensive work of Chief Justice Marshall, it would be presumptuous to attempt a historical biography of Washington.” Howes 317; Sabin 44788.

The Atlas is 11” x 9” , with 10 folding or double-page copper-engraved maps, approximately 10” x 15”, and a 22-page list of subscribers’ names. Among the maps included are: “A Plan of New York Island...shewing the Position of the American and British Armies, before, at, and after the Engagement on the Heights, August 27th, 1776”; “A Plan of the Northern Part of New Jersey, shewing the Positions of the American and British Armies after crossing the North River in 1776”; “A Map of the Country which was the scene of operations of the Northern Army, including the Wilderness through which General Arnold marched to attach Quebec”; “Plan of the Investment and Attach of York in Virginia”, and others. The atlas has original marbled boards with a paper cover label.

Some foxing and toning to contents, some offsetting to the maps, ink names to top of title-pages. This five-volume set and atlas are desirable because of the inherent value of the maps, the exceptional reading and historical value, and the general rarity of the set.