THE HISTORY OF THE PIRATES, FREE-BOOTERS, OR BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA. TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF J. M. VON ARCHENHOLTZ, BY GEORGE MASON, ESQ.
London: Printed by W. Calvert, Great Shire Lane. . . 1807. xiv, 240 pages. 12mo, original boards [rebacked] with minor wear, untrimmed. Light to moderate foxing, a few early inked notes; uncut; early owner's inscription on front pastedown. Very Good.
This is the first English language edition. Its first appearance was in 1803. "A compilation of pirate accounts from many sources including Exquemeling, with much on Morgan's exploits" [9424 Christie's 67].
The Preface explains that the book's purpose is "to fill up a chasm in the annals of history, respecting the manners, customs, and achievements of the association of Free-booters; - whose exploits were, in fact, so astonishing, as, in the opinion of Voltaire, to surpass all the actions ever performed by the Romans, or any other people, whose conquests have desolated the globe."
FIRST EDITION IN ENGLISH. Sabin 1906. Item #42305
Price: $1,000.00