Stedman, Charles:

$15,000 · Offered by William Reese Company

THE HISTORY OF THE ORIGIN, PROGRESS, AND TERMINATION OF THE AMERICAN WAR. A work that is fundamental to any collection of books relating to the American Revolution. Stedman's History is "generally considered the best contemporary account of the Revolution written from the British side" (Sabin). Stedman was a native of Philadelphia, a Loyalist who served as an officer under Howe, Clinton, and Cornwallis, and later became an examiner of Loyalist claims for the British government. He had firsthand knowledge of many of the campaigns and persons involved in the effort. He is critical of Howe, and describes all the major theatres of war, as well as individual battles from Bunker Hill to Yorktown.The beautifully engraved maps (the largest of which is approximately 20 × 30 inches) constitute the finest collection of plans assembled by an eyewitness. They depict the sieges of Savannah and Charlestown, plus the battles of Saratoga, Camden, Guilford, Hobkirk's Hill, and Yorktown.

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