“A SPIRITUAL AND MORAL TREASURE”

WOOLMAN, John. The Works. In Two Parts. Philadelphia: Joseph Crukshank, 1775. Octavo, period style half calf, red morocco spine labels, marbled boards. $750.

Second edition of Woolman’s religious treatises, including his “Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes.”

Woolman was an American Quaker who wrote and spoke against slavery. His posthumously published journal, "his most memorable work… has appealed to a large circle of divergent minds. John Stuart Mill was attracted by the Journal; Charles Lamb says 'Get the writings of John Woolman by heart" (DNB). Woolman's writings "were even more popular in England than America and have proved to be a spiritual and moral treasure that have had a growing influence upon successive generations" (ANB). His Journal is considered "an autobiographical masterpiece, rivalled in 18th century America only by that of Franklin" (Howes). Some Considerations on Keeping Negroes was originally published in two parts: the first part was printed at James Chattin's Quaker press in Philadelphia in 1754; the second was published by Benjamin Franklin in 1762— being the third anti-slavery tract to be printed by Franklin. Part I of this edition of the Works includes A Journal of the Life, Gospel Labours, and Christian Experience of That Faithful Minister of Jesus Christ, John Woolman (1774); Part II contains Some Considerations on Keeping Negroes (1754-62), Considerations on Pure Wisdom, and Human Policy; on Labour; on Schools; and on the Right Use of the Lord's Outward Gifts (1768), Remarks on Sundry Subjects (1773), and "An Epistle to the Quarterly and Monthly Meetings of Friends" (1772). The first edition of The Works was published in 1774. Evans 14631. See Howes W669; Sabin 105211. Contemporary gift presentation.

Interior generally very clean. A very good copy.