Laws of the State of New-York, Comprising the Constitution, and the Acts of the Legislature, Since the Revolution, from the First to the Fifteenth Session, Inclusive
New York: Thomas Greenleaf, 1792. Two volumes, 8vo. [4], 511; [4], 521, [15] pages. Woodcut arms on titles. Contemporary mottled sheep, spines with red and black gilt labels and gilt floral ornaments, gilt roll on edges. Minor worming in lower blank margin of the first few leaves in vol. 1, small tear in gutter of title-page of vol.. 2 costing one letter, a few small scuffs to bindings, otherwise a fine, fresh set in a beautiful contemporary New York binding. Item #408141
An unusually attractive set of Greenleaf's octavo edition of the laws of New York, in a very well preserved binding. In 1789, Hugh Gaine published an expensive folio edition of the laws through the twelfth session of the legislature, but that work was beyond the means of many purchasers. Greenleaf had New York typefounder Adam Mappa cast a new font for a less expensive octavo edition. In his preface, Greenleaf apologizes for the delay while Mappa cast the type and states: "... no cash went to London for them – and our infant manufactures ought to be encouraged, that they also may improve." A lengthy list of subscriber's names is included in volume 2, arranged by county. Greenleaf added a third volume in 1797. Quite scarce in a contemporary binding of such quality and preservation. Evans 24602.
Price: $2,000.00