“WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT”: EARLY ENGLISH PRINTING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION) BURKE, Edmund, ed. The Annual Register, or a View of the History, Politics, and Literature for the Year 1776. London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1777. Octavo, period-style half brown calf, raised bands, red morocco spine label, marbled boards, uncut. $2600.

First edition, featuring early printings of The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

"This most valuable record and chronicle of historical and political events… contains accurate accounts of the Revolutionary War… and many other American subjects" (Sabin). The Annual Register originated at the suggestion of Edmund Burke, who was for some years editor and principal contributor. Many leading historians of the American Revolution, including David Ramsay, James Murray and William Gordon, borrowed extensively from the series. The Declaration of Independence appears herein on pages 261-64 and is entitled "Reasons assigned by the Continental Congress, for the North-American Colonies and Provinces withdrawing their allegiance to the King of Great Britain." The Articles of Confederation follow. In addition, this volume details major political and historical events of the time, such as coverage of the Battle of Quebec, parliamentary legislation such as the Prohibitory Act and fierce debate over the American colonies. With sections titled: "History of Europe," "Chronicle," "State Papers," "Characters," "Natural History," "Projects," "Antiquities," "Miscellaneous Essays," "Poetry" and "Account of Books for 1777." "Contents" at rear. Sabin 1614. Lowndes, 48.

Interior age-toned. A most desirable uncut copy.