Paris, 1784

AMERICAN REVOLUTION – Recueil d'estampes représentant les différents évènemens de la guerre qui a procuré l'indépendence aux Etats Unis de l'Amérique. Paris: Ponce and Godefroy [1784].

The first edition of this fine suite illustrating the main events of the American Revolution through French eyes. The plates include depictions of the tarring and feathering of British customs official John Malcolm, the battle of Lexington, Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, the attack of French forces on the island of Dominica, the surrender of Senegal, the capture of Grenada, the capture of Pensacola, the capture of Tobago, the surrender of Cornwallis, and three plates of heroic French activity on Guadeloupe. Two maps show the newly-formed United States and four territories ceded to France by Britain after the war, and a series of vignettes commemorate the Treaty of Versailles in 1783. Often cited as the first French book with a title-page mentioning the United States. Cohen de Ricci 862 (with erroneous collation); Howes C-576; Sabin 68421; Winsor VI, 185n.

Oblong folio (410 x 272mm). 16 engraved plates including title-page and two maps (a little dustsoiling), plate size approximately 175 x 205mm. Contemporary calf-backed paste-paper boards (spine worn and joints started). Provenance: Stroganoff family (armorial bookplate, Russian shelfmark).