The History of Pennsylvania, In North America

Philadelphia: Zachariah Poulson Junior, 1797. First Edition. Both volumes of this two volume set are in near fine condition in contemporary, full calf covered boards with red and black, gilt decorated labels on the spines. Both are octavos measuring 8 3/8" by 5" with very light wear and rubbing to the leather joints and to the tips of the boards to volume I. The same wear to the leather of volume II is present, but the upper 2" of the front joint is beginning to part. The hinges, joints and binding are otherwise tight and strong. The frontispiece portrait of William Penn is present, but the fold-out map frontispiece in volume II is missing. Volume I contains 508 pages of text and the errata. Volume II contains 373 pages of text followed by 132 pages of appendices and a 14 page index and the errata for volume II. Of particular interest is the fact that a gift inscription is present on the first (in Vol II) and second (Vol. I) free end pages of both volumes. These inscriptions read: "Peter Barker | to his valued | antient friend | Sarah Barney of | Nantucket " and dated "Philadelphia 11 mo. 22 1803" Beneath this date is another prior owner's name "James Barker". This Sarah Barney was quite likely the same Sarah Barney (1725-1808) of the Society of Friends who was well known as she was instrumental in promoting Quaker women's rights. Considered by Howes to be "quite scarce". (Howes, P-639; Sabin, 66223; Evans, 34421)