Americana from James Cummins Bookseller

Boston: Bookcraft Company, 1902. 1 vols. 8vo. Original limp reverse sheep. Rubbed, several sheets at front removed. 1 vols. 8vo. From the library of Charles Edison. From the library of Charles Edison (1890-1969), son of Thomas A. Edison and Governor of New Jersey from 1941-1944. This was probably Thomas's Log book A relic of the early days of the automobile, the log consists of printed forms to be completed in manuscript with details of "runs" in the automobile, including beginning and end of the journey, distance travel, weather conditions, autographs of guests, and a detailed history. The "pedigree and points" page at the front is partially completed in pencil in an unknown hand, describing the make as a "Mors", horespower "28-32 French Rating, speed per hour "fifty-eight", radius of locomotion "the globe," and seating capacity as "five passanger." Several run records have been removed from the front, and none of the remaining is completed in part or whole.

Chicago: The Rodenheaverr Co, 1915. First edition. 254, [2] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Bound in three quarters green morocco, a.e.g. for Asprey. Stamped on the back turn in in gilt "Gov. Charles Edison Library." Fine. First edition. 254, [2] pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Inscribed to Mrs. Thomas Edison. Inscribed by the author to Thomas Alva Edison on the title-page. Gabriel wrote over 7,000 gospel hymns in his lifetime and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. From the library of Charles Edison (1890-1969), son of Thomas A. Edison and Governor of New Jersey from 1941-1944.

Chicago: W.B. Sloan, 1850. 32 pp. 12mo. Printed self-wrappers, later stitching. Light wear and minor foxing. Contemporary pencil notations. Very good. In a green half morocco slipcase, spine gilt. 32 pp. 12mo. An early Chicago almanac and imprint, with travel distances via rail and steamboat, along with prose, poetry, and other miscellany. Only a handful of copies located. Scarce. Byrd 1516; Mcmurtrie 198; Drake 1697; Streeter Sale 1498

Centennial Valley, Mont: Silver State Post Print, 1930. 18 x 12 inches. On purple paper. VG. 18 x 12 inches. The end of the Club.

Boston: Richard G. Badger, The Gorham Press, 1913. 76 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Full purple morocco lettered in gilt on spine, a.e.g., "Gov. Charles Edison Library" stamped in gilt to turn in of front board. Some fading to spine. 76 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. From the library of Charles Edison. From the library of Charles Edison (1890-1969), son of Thomas A. Edison and Governor of New Jersey from 1941-1944.

Boston: Hearn 392 Boylston Street and Old Orchard, Me, 1895. Ivoryette 1884. Fine. Ivoryette 1884. Tennis. Signed and adted on back "1895 Frances E. Haynes." Frances Haynes was a student at Mt. Holyoke in 1895.

Ottawa, Illinois: Jameson Books, Inc, 1997. Copy #3 of 250 copies of the Special Limited Edition, inscribed to Dick (Scaife) and signed by Edwin Feulner by the President of the Heritage Foundation. xx, 313pp. 8vo. Blue leather. Fine. Copy #3 of 250 copies of the Special Limited Edition, inscribed to Dick (Scaife) and signed by Edwin Feulner by the President of the Heritage Foundation. xx, 313pp. 8vo. DICK SCAIFE'S COPY. Dick Scaife was one of the founding members of the Heritage Foundation. He joined Heritage's Board of Trustees on April 2, 1985, and served as the vice chairman of Heritage's board for more than 20 years.

Boston: Printed by S. Kneeland ...D. Henchman, [Cornhill], 1733. First edition, with half-title. 125; 158 pp. 1 vols. 16mo (6-1/2 x 4 inches (16.5 x 10 cm.). Contemporary panelled calf, retaining blanks. Worn, binding holding by cords bearly, early ownership signature, booklabel with initials, Signed Maria Weston, Ezra Weston. First edition, with half-title. 125; 158 pp. 1 vols. 16mo (6-1/2 x 4 inches (16.5 x 10 cm.). Jonathan Dickinson (1688-1747) was born in Hatfield, Massachusetts, and attended one of the earliest classes at Yale College, graduating in 1706. While there are not a lot of details of his early life, he did end up preaching to a group of New England Congregationalists in 1708 in Elizabeth Town, New Jersey. Although he accepted a blend of Puritan Calvinism theology, he was flexible enough to also accept "more contemporary experiences of evangelical revivalism." He advocated a 'lively faith', but took account of a person's age and intellectual development. Thomas Foxcroft (1697-1769) was born in Boston, and is known to have converted to Congregationalism while in college, graduating from Harvard in 1714. Historical accounts indicate he was known for his virtue and piety, and developed a close relationship with Cotton Mather. In fact, Mather sought Foxcroft's help when he was having problems with his teenage son. He published a number of tracts in the 1720s and 1730s, often promoting a strong Congregational foundation among the young in New England. In the 1730s, he and Benjamin Colman were considered the top ministers of their generation. However, in 1736 he suffered a stroke, and was never able to return to his previous level. Evans 3651 & 3654; Sabin 22115

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1917. First edition, No. 186 of 550 Large Paper copies. Hand-colored frontispiece painting after Denny. With 33 illustrations from photographs (some by Edward Curtis) and drawings. 279 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. Original green cloth over boards, leather spine label. Spine a bit faded, label slightly rubbed, else fine, with part of box. Curtis, Edward. First edition, No. 186 of 550 Large Paper copies. Hand-colored frontispiece painting after Denny. With 33 illustrations from photographs (some by Edward Curtis) and drawings. 279 pp. 1 vols. 8vo. BAL 14775

Brunswick, North Carolina, 1768. 1 p. pen and ink on bifolium laid paper. Old folds. Fine, removed. 1 p. pen and ink on bifolium laid paper. THE FIRST PROFESSIONAL THEATRICAL GROUP TO PERFORM IN CANADA. Tryon's letter to Rhode Island Governor Samuel Ward reads in part: "Mr. Mills, who is the manager of a Company of Commedians, intends to solicit your permission to act in some parts of your Government. He has therefore entreated me to mention the Behaviour during their stay here of six months, which, as far as I have understood, has been decent, orderly, and proper..." William Tryon was born on June 8, 1729 at the family's seat at Norbury Park, Surrey, England. Though he had little formal education, his marriage to the daughter of a former East India Company Governor and his family's political connections ensured his advancement in military and civil affairs. Tryon was appointed Governor of North Carolina in July, 1765. He is credited for several improvements to the colony during his 6-year tenure but is probably most notable for the construction of an opulent new Governor's mansion dubbed "Tryon's Palace," and his suppression of the North Carolina Regulator uprising in 1771. Tryon would later go on to serve as Governor of New York, become embroiled in an ill-conceived plot to kidnap General George Washington, and gain notoriety as a British major general during the Revolution, particularly in Connecticut, where he burned and plundered Fairfield and Norwalk and advocated attacks on civilian targets. But the war was still seven years away when Tryon took quill in hand to pen a letter to his fellow governor in Rhode Island on behalf of the manager of a theatrical group that had been performing in New Brunswick (the group may have been the catalyst for the establishment of a playhouse in Halifax, North Carolina, which appeared on a survey map in 1769.) Referred to alternately as "Mr. Mills Company" and "Mr. Mills and Mr. Giffards Company" the travelling theatrical group is believed to have originated in London. Despite Tryon's endorsement, they were apparently spurned by the puritans of Rhode Island and instead arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in August 1768. The company staged two performances a day for ten weeks in Halifax, and is the first professional theater company to perform in Canada. Overshadowed by more well-known British theatrical groups of the day that were touring the colonies, such as Douglas's "American Company" and William Verling's "New American Company," very little has been written about Mills Company of Comedians. In their book, The Colonial American Stage, 1665-1774: A Documentary Calendar (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2001), Odai Johnson and William J. Burling write of Mills' troupe that "...little corroborating evidence of the company is extant beyond two letters by Governor William Tryon." This appears to be a retained copy, without seal or address, of one of those two known letters. The sent copy is in the Rhode Island Archives. The Correspondence of William Tryon, II, p. 133

New York: Doubleday, Page and Co, 1826. Illustrated by photographs, many (perhaps all) by L.A. Huffman (not credited but see Peterson, L.A. Huffman, p. 31). 347pp. Half crimson morocco, rubbed. Illustrated by photographs, many (perhaps all) by L.A. Huffman (not credited but see Peterson, L.A. Huffman, p. 31). 347pp. Family Presentation Copy, warmly inscribed to Nelson Jr. with love from Russell Doubleday A tale of growing up in the late 19th century in the Dakota Territory Russell Doubleday (May 26, 1872 in Brooklyn - June 14, 1949 at Glen Cove, Long Island) was an American author, editor and publisher, the brother of Frank Nelson Doubleday and son of William Edwards Doubleday and Ellen Maria "Ella" Dickinson.

New York: G. P. Putnam, 1859. First edition of the original three volumes expanded to 5 by Irving. 5 vols. 8vo. Three quarters blue morocco, t.e.g. Very Good, some minor wear to heads of spines. First edition of the original three volumes expanded to 5 by Irving. 5 vols. 8vo.

Seneca Falls, NY and Washington D.C., 1981. Each approximately 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. Fine, matted and framed together to 13 x 20 inches. Each approximately 3 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches. American Conservative Women. A handsomely framed group of four first day covers signed by prominent 20th century American Conservative women. Includes a Supreme Court American Flag first day cover, December 17, 1981, signed by Sandra Day O'Connor (b. 1930), who became the first woman to serve on the court when she was appointed by President Reagan in 1981; an "Honoring the Women of America" cover, 1960, signed by Clare Boothe Luce (1903-1987), author of "The Women" and the first woman appointed to a major ambassadorial post; and two post-marked from Seneca Falls on July 19, 1948, with stamps and envelopes commemorating the centennial of the Women's Rights Convention there; one is signed by Virginia Knauer (1915-2011) as Specialist to President Nixon for Consumer Affairs, the other is signed by Dorothy Andrews Elston (1917-1971) as Treasurer of the United States.

Kootenay, 1890. Typescript. 62 pp. printed on rectos only, with linen-backed map (24" x 31") of the Eastern part of British Columbia (1888) with extensive pencil annotations indicating the itinerary. 4to. Bound in vellum by Roger De Coverley with gilt rules on spine and at turn-ins, with marbled endpapers, t.e.g. In open-faced full black morocco slipcase. Typescript. 62 pp. printed on rectos only, with linen-backed map (24" x 31") of the Eastern part of British Columbia (1888) with extensive pencil annotations indicating the itinerary. 4to. Typed transcript of diary of hunting trip to the Canadian Rockies (eastern British Columbia) and south along the Kootenay river into northwest Montana, August 1890 to November 1890, based on letters to Alan Stenning, titled in pencil "Kootenay, 1890" at the beginning and with light corrections throughout the text VERNON, F.G. Map of the Eastern Part of British Columbia. Victoria, B.C.: 1888. Lithographed map dissected and laid-to linen, with many annotations in pencil and purple crayon, map 24 x 31 inches.

New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1890. No. 478 of 500 copies of a special Letter-press Edition. Four india proof etchings by R.C. Minor, C.Y. Turner, J.C. Nicoll & R. Swain Gifford and eighty-eight photogravure illustrations. xix, [i], 189 pp. 1 vols. 4to. Original brown morocco, elaborately gilt-stamped. Spine rebacked. Very Good. No. 478 of 500 copies of a special Letter-press Edition. Four india proof etchings by R.C. Minor, C.Y. Turner, J.C. Nicoll & R. Swain Gifford and eighty-eight photogravure illustrations. xix, [i], 189 pp. 1 vols. 4to. To the West Coast and Canada in Unusually High Style. A splendid volume chronicling the author's rail travels through the American and Canadian West, he and his party travelling in a special four car private train and other lavish transportation over vast stretches of superb scenery. His account is not just the usual trivia of travel, but is rich in historical details and what appears to be insider information regarding local politics and economies, not surprising given Webb's obvious influence and prosperity. There are several proof etchings pulled from the plate, and numerous photogravures, with lettered tissue guards, of the regions visited; those taken along the route of the Canadian Pacific Railway are of particular interest, showing not only the scenery but details of the often precipitious rail bed and track construction. This book was published in two editions: this larger, 4to, and a smaller format, reprinted in 1891. For this edition, no expense was spared--it is a lavish example of book-making as well as the record of a journey in a style which could not have been made by many others, even in the heyday of American Capitalism. A RICH AND FASCINATING WORK. Cowan, p. 672, listing the 2nd edition of 1891; Artic Bibliography 19208; Lowther 906; Smith 10804; Tourville 4764; Wickersham 6481

Baltimore: John W. Woods, Printer, 1849. 11pp. 12mo. Self wrappers,old folds. 11pp. 12mo. Inscribed with respect of C.(yrenius) Cone." Professor at the College. Not in OCLC

New York & Chicgao: A. S. Barnes, nd. Illus. 776; 820pp. 2 vols. 4to. Publsher's half calf, marbled boards, red and green leather title labels on spine marbled edges. Fine. Illus. 776; 820pp. 2 vols. 4to.

np, 1904. First edition of the author's first book. 164pp. Oblong 12mo. Limp blue suede paper. First edition of the author's first book. 164pp. Oblong 12mo. The first book by the Poet Laureate of South Carolina. Exceedingly rare. Southern Writers: A New Biographical Dictionary pp. 349

vp, 1864. 99 individual covers, measuring approximately 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 to 3 x 6 inches. Folio album. Contemporary folder, with "PML 3958" on paper label on upper cover, covers secured loosely to album leaves by means of string and held in place by string. Covers with occasional light dustsoiling, folder with some chipping and wear. 99 individual covers, measuring approximately 2 1/2 x 4 1/2 to 3 x 6 inches. Folio album. Pro-Union Covers in Contemporary Album. An album of nearly 100, unadressed pro-Union pictorial envelopes assembled during the war and housed in a contemporary album made for the purpose. The illustrations on the envelopes are done in the style of caricature, and bear an array of pro-Union and anti-Confederate slogans and mottoes. (A very few of the envelopes have patriotic themes not related to the Civil War.) Some 15,000 such covers were privately printed in the North during the war, circulating patriotic sentiment among those who were not directly engaged in battle, and intended to boost morale of the soldiers who might receive a letter from home tucked into one of them. The covers were also marketed as souvenirs, with albums like the present one being sold for the express purpose of preserving the covers. (One of the envelopes advertises "Haine's Envelope Holder for Holding and Preserving Illustrated Envelopes," of which this folder is an example.) While individual covers aren't uncommon on the market, it is unusual to encounter a collection assembled in the period and housed in a contemporary album. See Stephen Boyd, Patriotic Envelopes of the Civil War (LSU 2010)

Postal Telegraph-Cable Comapny, 1931. 3pp. 4to. Old Folds. 3pp. 4to.