History of Massachusetts, for Two Hundred Years from the Year 1620 to 1820

Title: History of Massachusetts, for Two Hundred Years from the Year 1620 to 1820

Author: Bradford, Alden

Publication: Boston: Hilliard, Gray, and Co., 1835.

Description: First edition of Alden Bradford's History of Massachusetts, with fold-out map of Massachusetts by James G. Carter (Howes, B691; Sabin, 7223). Howes describes the map as being present in only some copies. Published by Hilliard, Gray, and Co. and printed by J.D. Freeman.

In original publisher's binding of quarter green cloth with paper over pasteboard, sewn on three supports; printed paper label on the spine. Fold-out map of Massachusetts includes a table with population statistics. Appendix includes facsimile signatures of founders of Plymouth Colony and other historical figures in Massachusetts history. Octavo in 4s; xii, [1], 14-480 pages, [1] folded leaf of plates (map); [A]⁴ B² 1-58⁴ 59²; 10 x 6 inches.

With the ink signature of former owner Peleg Sprague (1793-1880) on the front cover, title page, and page 21. Sprague was a politician, lawyer, and judge, who served in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, representing Maine. Sprague was a notable opponent of President Andrew Jackson's policy of "Indian removal," which involved the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples from lands in the eastern United States to the region west of the Mississippi River. Sprague criticized the policy's inhumanity, as well as corruption among the policy's supporters.

Binding is considerably soiled and worn, but structurally sound. Significant foxing to endpapers, minor loss to top of page [13] not affecting the text, and minor soiling and markings in the text. The map is intact and bright, except for a small tear in the lower margin not affecting the printed area. Many gatherings are unopened at the top edge. Good+ with a Very Good+ map.

The author Alden Bradford (1765-1843) was a politician, clergyman, historian, and the fifth Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth. As a descendant of Plymouth Colony governor William Bradford (c. 1590-1657), he took a keen interest in Massahusetts history and was an original member of the Massachusetts Historical Society. At the time of his death, he was working on an update to this History of Massachusetts.

References:

-Sabin, J. Dictionary of books relating to America from its discovery to the present time, 7223.

-Wright Howes, the final edition of U.S.iana, B691.