The History of the Administration of John Adams, Late President of the United States

Wood, John

About this Item

New York, no publisher, 1802. 8vo, 506 p., bound in mid 19th century 3/4 leather over marbled boards. First edition of John Wood's controversial history of the Adams administration, seen largely as a vicious attack on Adams, and widely considered one of the most famous suppressed books in American history. Per Tomkin's Bibliotheca Jeffersoniana 'This book was printed and ready for publication in December, 1801, but was suppressed at the instigation of Aaron Burr as being incorrect and also libelous. Overtures were made to the publishers, Messrs, Barlas and Ward, by Burr and his friends, for the purchase of the edition, and it was finally given up to them. The book was subsequently reissued and placed on sale, with a new title page bearing the imprint, 'New York printed 1802'. Although the work had been written to aid Burr's political fortunes, he took to undo it out of fear that the work 'would be more dangerous than helpful to his party' (Dictionary of American Biography). It is unclear whether the current copy is a first or second issue as the title page is supplied in high quality facsimile, (though the half title is integral and original to the book). All copies of this book are scarce, and often found in poor condition with pages frequently excised, torn out or defaced. This copy is textually complete, with no missing or defaced pages. The final leaf is cropped close, affecting some of the text, and the sizing of the title page is slightly off, approximately 1/2" shorter than the original, but is printed on new old stock 19th century paper, consistent with the period. Overall a sound copy of a scarce and important work. Howes 11285, Sabin 105044.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1681225942325

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The History of the Administration of John Adams, Late President of the United States
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good