Spring Arrivals from James Cummins Bookseller

- by Michael Stillman

Spring Arrivals from James Cummins Bookseller

Item 29 is the 1786 edition of Bailey's Pocket Almanac of 1786, most notable for containing A Map of the United States of N. America. This is not just any map. This is Thomas Jefferson's map, displaying his dreams for westward expansion. It's no wonder he jumped at the opportunity to buy Louisiana a decade and a half later. He has filled his map, which he sent to Congress, with a host of new states. Most were given Indian names. A few were more or less used, but the others never came to be. The names include Sylvania, Michigania, Cherronenesus, Assenisipia, Metropotamia, Illinoia, Saratoga, Washington, Polypotamia, and Pelisipia. $65,000.

Item 66 is an interesting World War II piece. It is Dai Toya Senso Kaigun bijutsu (Naval Art of the Great East Asia War). It was put out by the Greater Japan Pacific Art Association in 1943. It was designed to stir pride in the Japanese Navy among the nation's people. It illustrates many real events, such as Pearl Harbor and the assault on Wake Island, but also shows a wished for planned attack – Japanese planes on a bombing run over New York City. $6,000.

James Cummins Bookseller may be reached at 212-688-6441 or info@jamescumminsbookseller.com. Their website is www.jamescumminsbookseller.com.