The Deputy Commissary's Guide Within the Province of Maryland
Annapolis: Ann Catherine Green and Son, 1774. First edition. 8vo (8 x 4 3/4 inches). Engraved title by Thomas Sparrow, engraved table. Modern yellow-tan niger. Provenance: James Murray (early signature on title); Mercantile Library, Philadelphia (inkstamps in several margins). Title and premilms chipped at edges, three prelims loose in binding, another leaf loose at center, some staining and wear to sheets. Item #410597
The first edition of this important law book, "the first original American work, and earliest book of any source published in America, on wills" (Charles Wood, cat. 72, item 98). With early American provenance: the James Murray on the title is most likely the Annapolis-based physician who later served as Thomas Jefferson's doctor. "An exceedingly useful compilation, and its engraved title-page, the only one issued from a colonial Maryland press, was Sparrow's best work" (Wroth, Maryland Imprints 338). The printer Ann Catharine Green was wife of Jonas Green (on whom see DAB) whom she succeeded as public printer of Maryland colony from 1767 to 1775. Evans 13742; Sabin 98392.
Price: $2,500.00