Joel Barlow, 1787

BARLOW, Joel (1754-1812). The Vision of Columbus: a Poem in Nine Books. Hartford, CT: Hudson and Goodwin, 1787.

First edition of Barlow's epic paean to Columbus, formerly owned by founder Charles Pinckney, signer of the United States Constitution. With dedication to Louis XVI Barlow began writing this work—a dialogue between Christopher Columbus and an angel which encompasses the whole history of the Americas through the end of the American Revolution—during his time serving as a military chaplain. It was subscribed to by many leading figures of the day, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, and popular on both sides of the Atlantic. He later adapted the poem into a more cynical epic he called The Columbiad. Stoddard 369; BAL 865; Sabin 3434.

Octavo (194 x 114mm). 12pp. subscribers list at end, blank leaf Kk4 excised as usual (some browning). Contemporary sheep (front board detached). Provenance: Charles Pinckney, 1757-1824, South Carolina politician (signature on pastedown).