Jun 25, 2026 10:00 EST
The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
9
First edition of Stedman's authoritative History of the American War
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]
STEDMAN, CHARLES. The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War. London: Printed for the author and sold by J. Murray; J. Debrett; and J. Kerby, 1794. Two volumes. First edition. Modern brown calf over marbled boards, spines lettered in gilt, edges speckled blue. 11 x 8 1/2 inches (28 x 21.5 cm); half-titles, 15 maps (most folding), [xv], 399; [xv], 449, index [14]; printed on bluish paper. Spines faded and a touch rubbed at ends, wear to joints, scattered offsetting to text from plates, some marginal spotting and browning, occasional thumb-soiling, some folds at page corners, a pencil annotation in the margin of p.251 of volume two. Neat repairs to several maps (largely at folds and intersections), a short tear or two near stubs, occasional short splits at edges, scattered spotting and offsetting to maps, occasional browning at edges, a few of the maps toned, "Bunker Hill" map curled in the lower right margin by the neatline. A pleasing set with very good maps.
"Generally considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side," as noted by Sabin. A Philadelphia-born loyalist, Stedman was an officer under Lord Percy at Lexington and Concord; under General Howe in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania campaigns; and with Cornwallis in the south. Thus, many of his descriptions of battles are derived from first-hand observation. The remarkable engraved battle plans and maps — which Stedman oversaw the production of — are regarded as "the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness." Reese, Revolutionary 100: 89. Sabin 91057. Howes S914 ("b).
Sold for $6,080
Estimated at $800 - $1,200
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of a Florida Bibliophile
[AMERICAN REVOLUTION]
STEDMAN, CHARLES. The History of the Origin, Progress, and Termination of the American War. London: Printed for the author and sold by J. Murray; J. Debrett; and J. Kerby, 1794. Two volumes. First edition. Modern brown calf over marbled boards, spines lettered in gilt, edges speckled blue. 11 x 8 1/2 inches (28 x 21.5 cm); half-titles, 15 maps (most folding), [xv], 399; [xv], 449, index [14]; printed on bluish paper. Spines faded and a touch rubbed at ends, wear to joints, scattered offsetting to text from plates, some marginal spotting and browning, occasional thumb-soiling, some folds at page corners, a pencil annotation in the margin of p.251 of volume two. Neat repairs to several maps (largely at folds and intersections), a short tear or two near stubs, occasional short splits at edges, scattered spotting and offsetting to maps, occasional browning at edges, a few of the maps toned, "Bunker Hill" map curled in the lower right margin by the neatline. A pleasing set with very good maps.
"Generally considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side," as noted by Sabin. A Philadelphia-born loyalist, Stedman was an officer under Lord Percy at Lexington and Concord; under General Howe in the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania campaigns; and with Cornwallis in the south. Thus, many of his descriptions of battles are derived from first-hand observation. The remarkable engraved battle plans and maps — which Stedman oversaw the production of — are regarded as "the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness." Reese, Revolutionary 100: 89. Sabin 91057. Howes S914 ("b).
Auction: The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile, Jun 25, 2026
-
Successful Auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 Tops $550k with 97% Sell-Through Rate
-
Featuring a Wide Range of Americana and Military History Spanning the 18th through 20th Centuries
-
We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Collection
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's highly-anticipated auction of The Collection of a Florida Bibliophile on June 25, 2026 delivered outstanding results, with trans-Atlantic bidding driving the sale total beyond expectations and an impressive 97% sell-through rate. Comprising more than 200 lots, this extensive and fascinating collection featured books, manuscripts, and original illustration art spanning centuries of antiquarian interest.
Signed Volume from Abraham Lincoln's Personal Library - Sold for $64,000
Books from Abraham Lincoln's personal library are among the great rarities of the American book trade. Leading the sale was an 1849 first edition of William W. Campbell's The Life and Writings of De Witt Clinton inscribed by Lincoln that achieved $64,000, more than doubling its $20,000-30,000 estimate. Lincoln signed the book on November 19, 1860, less than two weeks after his election to the presidency. In February 1861, he would depart Springfield by train for Washington, never returning to his hometown until his burial following his assassination.
A United States Senator, Mayor of New York City, and Governor of New York, DeWitt Clinton is best remembered for championing the Erie Canal, one of the great infrastructure projects of the 19th century. Lincoln admired Clinton's vision and leadership, looking to him as a model of a strong executive capable of undertaking and completing ambitious public works.
British Military & Naval Color Plate Books - Sold for $16,640
The wide selection of color plate books featured magnificent first editions of James Jenkins' celebrated The Martial Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1799 to 1815 and The Naval Achievements of Great Britain from the Year 1793 to 1817. Amid trans-Atlantic bidding, this elegant two-volume set sailed its $7,000-10,000 estimate to realize $16,640. Among the finest military color plate books of the early 19th century, these large-paper editions, featuring over 100 hand-colored aquatint plates, were presented in their most desirable state, with coloring of exceptional quality and delicately tinted plate surrounds not found in the regular issue. Completing the lot was an original watercolor by William Heath, the leading British military watercolorist of the period, prepared for one of the plates in The Martial Achievements.
We Invite You to Auction!
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.
