Fine Books & Manuscripts

[LIVINGSTON, Robert R. (1746–1813, his bookplate)]. –– STERNE, Laurence (1713–1768). The Works of… London: for W. Strahan, et al, 1783. 10 volumes, 8vo. 9 engravings including frontispieces in Vol. I and Vol. IX. Contemporary tree calf, red and black morocco spine labels gilt, compartments tooled in gilt (extreme ends rubbed with chipping to lower spine panel, several boards rubbed, intermittent foxing or browning). Provenance: from the library of Robert R. Livingston (engraved bookplate in each volume, several contemporary signatures after Livingston). EARLY AMERICAN BOOKPLATES OF A FOUNDING FATHER. Each volume is affixed with an engraved bookplate (10 total) possibly by or attributed to Peter Rushton Maverick (See Allen, American Book–Plates p. 145) with his iconic ribbon and wreath style featuring a clipper atop the Livingston family crest with the family motto “Spero Meliora”. As one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Livingston played an important role in the early development of the newly formed country. He was a member of the Committee of Five that drafted the Declaration of Independence, the administrator for George Washington's Oath of Office when he assumed presidency in 1789, and the chief negotiator of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.