Apr 16, 2026 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
52
The first American edition of Josephus
Property sold to benefit Albertus Magnus High School
JOSEPHUS, FLAVIUS and GEORGE HENRY MAYNARD, translator
The whole genuine and complete works of Flavius Josephus ... Translated from the original in the Greek language. And diligently revised and compared with the writings of contemporary authors, of different nations, on the subject. All tending to prove the authenticity of the work. To which is added various useful indexes ... Also a continuation of the history of the Jews, from Josephus down to the present time ... translated by George Henry Maynard. New York: William Durell, 1792-[1794]. First American edition, bound from the parts (the part numbers are indicated in the lower gutter margin of some of the leaves). Full contemporary sheep, with red lettering label. 16 1/2 x 10 inches; vi, [1], 8-264, 269-700, 703-723, [3]p.; [60] ff. of plates (one, the view of Jerusalem, folded), engraved by C. Tiebout, A. Doolittle, A. Anderson, W. Rollinson, J. Allen, Pigalle, and B. Tanner; A-3N⁶ 3O-3Q². Binding worn, with rubbing to both covers. Leather peeling at the joints where an early spine repair is beginning to wear. Joints and hinges are otherwise sturdy. Paper toned and softened with age. Minor foxing throughout.
This handsome first American edition was issued in sixty parts, with the first part including the 1792 title page. When the book was completed in 1794, it was reissued with a title dated 1794. The list of subscribers occupies pp. 725-726. Evans, 24437. Rosenbach, Jewish Bibliography, 87.
Sold for $832
Estimated at $400 - $600
Includes Buyer's Premium
Property sold to benefit Albertus Magnus High School
JOSEPHUS, FLAVIUS and GEORGE HENRY MAYNARD, translator
The whole genuine and complete works of Flavius Josephus ... Translated from the original in the Greek language. And diligently revised and compared with the writings of contemporary authors, of different nations, on the subject. All tending to prove the authenticity of the work. To which is added various useful indexes ... Also a continuation of the history of the Jews, from Josephus down to the present time ... translated by George Henry Maynard. New York: William Durell, 1792-[1794]. First American edition, bound from the parts (the part numbers are indicated in the lower gutter margin of some of the leaves). Full contemporary sheep, with red lettering label. 16 1/2 x 10 inches; vi, [1], 8-264, 269-700, 703-723, [3]p.; [60] ff. of plates (one, the view of Jerusalem, folded), engraved by C. Tiebout, A. Doolittle, A. Anderson, W. Rollinson, J. Allen, Pigalle, and B. Tanner; A-3N⁶ 3O-3Q². Binding worn, with rubbing to both covers. Leather peeling at the joints where an early spine repair is beginning to wear. Joints and hinges are otherwise sturdy. Paper toned and softened with age. Minor foxing throughout.
This handsome first American edition was issued in sixty parts, with the first part including the 1792 title page. When the book was completed in 1794, it was reissued with a title dated 1794. The list of subscribers occupies pp. 725-726. Evans, 24437. Rosenbach, Jewish Bibliography, 87.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, Apr 16, 2026
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Successful Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 Surpasses Expectations
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Thomas Jefferson Letter Commenting on Toussaint Louverture Achieves $32,000
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
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We Invite You to Contact Us for Complimentary Auction Estimates of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY – Doyle's auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on April 16, 2026 saw international competition drive strong results throughout the sale and a total that surpassed expectations.
Thomas Jefferson Letter on Toussaint Louverture
Highlighting the sale was a fascinating 1802 letter from Thomas Jefferson as president to Maryland Governor John Francis Mercer that achieved a strong $32,000. The remarkable letter captures a rare, candid moment in which Jefferson assesses, with striking clarity, the arrest of Toussaint Louverture, a leader of the Haitian Revolution, by French General Charles LeClerc, Napoleon’s brother-in-law. Jefferson perceptively warned that LeClerc’s actions would erode trust and likely spark further racial conflict—an insight that proved remarkably accurate. Beyond its sharp political foresight, the letter reflects the broader anxiety the Haitian Revolution provoked in the United States, which contributed to decades of diplomatic isolation of Haiti.
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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for complimentary auction estimates. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
