Books

8vo. A drop-dead gorgeous nine-volume set in luscious fine bindings of brown three-quarter brown morocco over marbled paper. This is the first publication of Jefferson's work after Congress appropriated funds to purchase his papers in 1848. Jefferson left his papers to his grandson, Thomas Jefferson Randolph, and Randolph published some of the in the late 1820s. H.A. Washington (Editor) spent years researching the papers and he published this work in 1853. It is the first major compilation of Jefferson's works. Washington offered little in the way of notes or annotations but he did try to select "everything which posesses permanent public interest either on account of its intrinsic value, or as a matter of history, or as illustrating the characterof the distinguished author, or as embodying his views upon the almost endless variety of topics, philosphical, moral religious, scientific, historical, and political, so ably discussed by him." Nine volumes complete. 19th-century brown morocco over brown marbled paper covered boards. Square tight bindings. Clean interiors, save for an 1883 gift inscription to verso of front flyleaf of each volume and light to moderate sporadic foxing toward the outer pages. Frontis portrait of Jefferson in volume I. The bindings are likely also from 1883, as stamped in gilt at the bottom of each spine is the name of the gift recipient of the set. Fold-out two-page facsimile of Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, with moderate foxing. Vol V with about 20 pages with a small lower corner crease. Volume IX with a thin light dampstain along the bottom edge of text block. Overall a STUNNING and quite scarce edition, a fine centerpiece to any quality Jefferson collection.

This work is Jefferson's own account of his life, presenting insights into his political philosophy and achievements.