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Lossing's New History of the United States: From the Discovery of the American Continent to the death of president garfield and inauguration of his succesor Chester A. Arthur For All Readers, By Benson J. Lossing, LL.D., 1881 - Baird & Dillon
Lossing's New History of the United States is an excellent example of the grand, sweeping national narratives that defined late nineteenth-century American historiography. Conceived as an accessible chronicle "for all readers," from the eras of early European exploration through the nation's foundational milestones. What makes this specific volume so compelling to a historian is how it captures a moment of sudden national trauma in real-time. Originally slated for standard release in 1881, the book’s production timeline was abruptly interrupted by the assassination of President James A. Garfield in September of that year (1881). Rather than allowing their brand-new volume to look instantly obsolete, the publishers scrambled to revise the final chapters and completely reset the title page typography to document Garfield's death and the subsequent inauguration of Chester A. Arthur.
From a bibliographical standpoint, the "Baird & Dillon" imprint on this title page adds a new layer of context. This regional issue was manufactured not for quiet library stacks, but as a prestigious household centerpiece, nicely appointed with steel and wood engravings, and a vibrant, multi-color chromolithograph section detailing America’s historical and military flags. The book survives as two histories in one: a formal record of the "American experiment", and a fascinating physical artifact of how publishers adapted on the fly to breaking political news.
The Condition: The text-block remains quite sound, with the occasional chip here and there to the fore-edge of the text-block. The books shows moderate foxing and the occasional mark here and there. Occasional damp-staining, toward the later part of the book it becomes a little more consistent at the very lower edge of the book. The covers have been nicely preserved and are original to the binding. The book features a high-quality leather rebacking. (See Photos)
We provide detailed photographs to allow you to assess the book's condition and aesthetic appeal.
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