STEDMAN, Charles (1753-1812). The History of the Origin, Progress and Termination of the American War. London: printed for the Author, sold by J. Murray, J. Debrett and J. Kerby, 1794.

The first edition of a work that is a cornerstone of any American Revolutionary War collection: "the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side" (Sabin). Stedman here describes all the major theatres of war (in many cases from firsthand knowledge), together with the individual battles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown. In addition to the important text, Stedman also oversaw the production of the accurate and finely engraved maps and plans, showing in graphic form the sieges of Savannah and Charlestown, and the battles of Yorktown, Saratoga, Camden, Guilford, and Hobkirk's Hill. Several pages bear marginalia in pencil of a former owner including an acerbic comment relative to William Howe's allowing Washington to retreat from New York rather than capturing his whole army during the 1776 campaign: “If these were his Ideas [Howe was] unfit to Command against an Army of Rebels.” Howes S914; JCB II:372; Lowndes V, p.2504; Sabin 91057.

Two volumes, quarto (277 x 216mm). Half-titles. 15 engraved maps and plans, 11 of which are folding (scattered mild offsetting and spotting, some creases, minor staining to prelims, vol 2 with a long closed tear to 2Y3, a few other edge tears). Untrimmed in original plain boards rebacked in modern calf (new endpapers). Provenance: few instances of pencil marginalia.