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Hard cover, 8vo., (measuring 6 ΒΌ x 10 inches,) in three quarter calf over marbled paper-covered, and gilt-ruled boards, the spine in six raised compartments with titles and fleuron devices in gilt. Top edge gilt, with marbled end papers, other edges untrimmed, 416 pp. The fine binding is stamp signed on verso of front fly by R. B. Sanford. Condition: Good Minus. There is rubbing and bumping to joints and corners. The front hinge is split at the bottom, and has been reinforced with modern buckram repair tape. The rear board was detached and has been repaired similarly. Some browning, especially near the beginning of the text, as well as mild foxing throughout. Author Joshua Coffin (1792-1864), aside from writing this well-regarded title of local history, was involved in the abolitionist movement, and in 1860 would pen "An Account of Some of the Principle Slave Insurrections", published by the American Anti-Slavery Society. Coffin's " Sketches" is chronologically organized, and discusses the early settlement, conflicts with the indigenous tribes such as the Pequod War, slaves and slavery, local disasters, diseases and industries, and odd personalities, such as the self-proclaimed Lord Timothy Dexter. An index, as well as a number of appendixes, list information on the individuals who made the history of this farming and shipbuilding area such an important place in early America. **The book's owner, Joseph Newell Dummer, was the sixth-generation descendant of Richard Dummer, one of the area's wealthiest founding fathers (who is listed in the book's Appendix A as the most land-rich grantee, at over a thousand acres.) Richard established the grist mill at the falls and weir on Byfield's Mill River which successive generations of Dummers continued to operate, including this book's owner. William Dummer, grandson of Richard, is remembered as a Governor of the Province of Massachusetts Bay Colony and founder of Governor Dummer Academy. Scarce in this edition. Sabin 14178. Stevens, American Books in the British Museum, p.124.
Ref: NBPT 8602
$400.00