Mercy Otis Warren, 1790

WARREN, Mercy Otis (1728-1814). Poems, Dramatic and Miscellaneous. Boston: I. Thomas and E.T. Andrews, 1790.

First edition of these patriotic works by the Revolutionary woman whom John Adams called "the most accomplished in America." This is the first publication which Mercy Warren published using her own name. She had previously two reasons to publish anonymously: because of her gender and for fear of reprisals from the British government. This collection includes "The Squabble of the Sea Nymphs," a satirical allegory on the Boston Tea Party and her poem "The Genius of America weeping for the absurd follies of the Day.—October 10, 1778." It also includes two plays written in blank verse, one of which, the "Ladies of Castile," was a favorite of Alexander Hamilton. She dedicated the work to her good friend, George Washington. Mercy Warren would go on to author one of the earliest histories of the American Revolution, published in 1805. Stoddard & Whitesell 424.

12mo (171 x 100mm). (First and last leaves browned from previous binding, inkstamp and tiny repairs to title.) Modern calf to style, spine gilt, morocco lettering piece. Provenance: John Taylor (contemporary ownership signature to dedication) – Lawrence Public Library (ink shelf numbers and two ink stamps).