This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[LIVINGSTON, Robert R. (1746–1813, his copy)]. [MILITARY HISTORY]. The Field of Mars: Being an Alphabetical Digestion of the Principal Naval and Military Engagements, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, Particularly of Great Britain and Her Allies… London: J. Macgowan, 1781. 4tos. Illustrated with 33 engraved maps and plans (3 of which are folding), and 28 engraved plates. Unpaginated. List of subscribers at the end of volume II. Approximately 10 x 8”. Bound in contemporary full calf, both volumes rebacked to style in full modern brown calf, original burgundy and green gilt morocco lettering labels, five raised bands (some wear to bindings, hinges starting, some foxing in text, a few scattered ink or pencil notations in text). Very good. FOUNDING FATHER ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON’S FIRST EDITION COPY OF THIS BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED MILITARY DICTIONARY WITH HIS ARMORIAL BOOKPLATE ON BOTH FPS. 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. Beneath the Livingston bookplate in volume 2 has an inscription in an unknown hand: “General J. Watts de Peyster of Rosehill or Snaker - P, Tivoli, Dutchess G. S. N. Y.” De Peyster (1821-1907) was an author and Major General in the Civil War; the inscription does not appear to be in his hand. On the ffep of volume 2 is a full-page article from The Evening Post about a naval battle in 1861. Large bookplate of De Peyster on both front blanks. An excellent double association.