Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - April - 2006 Issue
Books and Manuscripts from The 19th Century Shop
Stephen Austin's rare first printing in Texas.
Albert Einstein is remembered for his incomprehensible intelligence and scientific/mathematical discoveries. However, he was also a politically involved man at the outbreak of the Second World War. A German Jew who escaped before the self-proclaimed "superior" butchers could put an end to his intellect, Einstein spoke to the British people via radio during their darkest time, December 4, 1940. This is a typescript of his radio address, Broadcast to Britain, signed "A. Einstein." In it, the great scientist notes that there has been a struggle for freedom going on for several centuries, one that has resulted in amazing advancements in science and the arts. He realized these advancements were now at risk, and it was the British people who were making the sacrifices necessary to preserve them. He concludes that it was "...Britain by her present heroic ordeal, that was the means of saving humanity from slipping back into the darkness of barbarism and slavery." $65,000.
John Stedman's Narrative, of a Five Years' Expedition, Against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam... is a memorable look at the horrors of slavery in the Americas during the 18th century. Stedman served with Dutch forces sent to the colony of Surinam to put down a slave rebellion. He did his job, but came away appalled by the treatment of the slaves, and Europe's willingness to commit such atrocities in order to obtain cheap resources. Stedman also noted that not only were slaves dehumanized by the process, but that the same could be said for their masters, who routinely acted in the most inhumane and inhuman of ways. Stedman's narrative includes numerous powerful engravings from William Blake, a noted writer, illustrator, and abolitionist. This is a first edition from 1796. $7,000.
From 1866, offered is a first American edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Originally, the book was published in Britain in 1865, but these copies were to be destroyed after objections from illustrator John Tenniel, supported by author Lewis Carroll (real name Rev. Charles Dodgson). However, rather than destroy the offending pages, many were shipped to America and used to construct this version, published in New York by Appleton. Alice is, of course, one of the greatest masterpieces of both children's and adults' literature ever published. $55,000.
This should give you an idea of the type of material you will find in this latest offering from the 19th Century Shop. You may find them online at www.19thcenturyshop.com or call them at 410-727-2665.
