An Introduction to Collecting History

Why collect great historical works? The reasons for collecting are as numerous as the works themselves. Francis Bacon would tell us, “Histories make men wise.” For this reason and many others, histories are written, read, and collected. Whatever the inspiration, the landmark historical works offer many opportunities for the collector to experience the dramas of human history as recorded by the finest annalists. Whether your interest is academic or simply founded on a general curiosity, collectible historical works generate much appeal. What follows is a brief survey of some of the highlights of this area of collecting.



If early histories capture your imagination, the choices for collecting range from early English translations of the Classical masters-Plutarch, Livy, Pliny, Suetonius, Josephus-to the chronicles compiled by the 16th- and 17th-century British antiquarians-Holinshed, Hall, Camden, Bacon. First editions of Philemon Holland’s translations of Livy (1600), Pliny (1601) and Plutarch (1603) are among the most desirable of early printed histories. Of equal interest are the extensive British chronicles by Edward Hall (Union of the Two Noble and Illustre Famelies of Lancaster and Yorke, 1548) and Raphael Holinshed (Chronicles, 1587). Notably, both Hall and Holinshed served as sources for Shakespeare’s historical plays. Detailed histories of individual monarchs or royal lines are also of interest to the collector. Two of the greatest historical accounts of this type include Camden’s history of Elizabeth I (Annales, 1615) and Bacon’s History of Henry VII (1641).



In any collection of historical works Edward Gibbon’s History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1776-88) must certainly form the centerpiece. Gibbon’s masterpiece, some twenty years in the making, was a massive undertaking, covering nearly 1500 years of Western civilization from the death of Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 180 to the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Gibbon’s vast historical knowledge, powerful analysis and literary style have ensured the endurance of the work as one of the landmarks of historical study. As a six volume serial work published over the course of twelve years, Gibbon’s Decline and Fall is exceedingly scarce in complete first editions. Inevitably, first editions of the first volume are the least common. Mixed editions, still rare, are also highly desirable.



Two other important works by English historians warrant mention as well: David Hume’s History of Great Britain (1754-62) and Thomas Carlyle’s French Revolution (1837). Hume’s six volume History, a standard work on Britain which covers the period from the invasion of Julius Caesar through the reign of James II, was the first to emphasize the importance of social and literary dimensions in the character of a nation. Carlyle’s three volume work on the French Revolution combines scholarly interpretation with passionate and colorful depictions of the dramatic events that shook a nation. Both works, written by leading intellectuals, endure as classics of historical study.



Undoubtedly, for the collector of European history, Napoleonic studies are quite compelling. Numerous accounts of Napoleon’s life and career have been published during the last two centuries. Bourrienne’s Memoirs of Napoleon Bonaparte remains the classic biography. Bourrienne, who attended school with Napoleon and later served as his private secretary, paints a vivid picture of the military leader in this work. The life of Napoleon also attracted the attention of Sir Walter Scott, who published his own extensive biography in 1827. Another interesting account of Napoleon is presented in Count de las Cases’ Memorial De Sainte Helene, in which las Cases records the fallen emperor’s reflections on his life while in exile on the island of Saint Helena. Many studies of Napoleon also feature beautiful illustrations, including portraits, maps, and plans of military campaigns. Collectors of Napoleoniana may also gravitate toward first editions of works concerning the Empress Josephine, Talleyrand or other important figures, or may expand their focus to include documents signed by the Emperor himself.



The field of United States history also offers ample opportunity for the collector. The Revolutionary War, for instance, produced a number of classic texts. One of the earliest and finest contemporary accounts of the American Revolution is Charles Stedman’s History of the Origin, Progress and Termination of the American War (1794). First or even early editions of writings published by Thomas Paine, such as Common Sense or the Rights of Man, although incredibly rare, are much sought-after by the collector. Franklin’s Political, Miscellaneous and Philosophical Pieces (1779), Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia (1788), and Marshall’s Life of Washington (1804-7) are cornerstones of any collection of early Americana. Likewise, the Civil War offers a number of collecting possibilities as well. Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant (1885), Sheridan’s Memoirs (1888), Jefferson Davis’ Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (1881) and Miller’s Photographic History of the Civil War (1911) are just a few of the key titles. Abraham Lincoln: A History, one of the most important biographies to emerge from the Civil War, was published by Nicolay and Hay, Lincoln’s private secretaries, in 1890. This work is a favorite among collectors of Lincolniana, as are the twentieth-century biographies by Carl Sandburg and Albert Beveridge.



In addition to his many political accomplishments, Churchill was also one of the finest historians of the twentieth century, producing a number of important works in his lifetime. Among his many writings, Churchill’s comprehensive studies of the two world wars, The World Crisis (1923-1931) and The Second World War (1948-1953), are two of the most popular titles. Churchill, a key figure in the events he records with such style, was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1953. A History of the English-Speaking Peoples (1956), which traces the common heritage of Great Britain and the United States, and Great Contemporaries (1937), a collection of biographical sketches of the influential personalities of the twentieth century, are equally popular titles. First editions signed or inscribed by Churchill, which are quite rare, are also highly prized by collectors.



Collectible history offers a variety of possibilities. An early edition of Gibbon’s Roman Empire in a contemporary calf binding, a beautifully bound and illustrated set of Bourrienne’s Napoleon, a first edition of Great Contemporaries signed by Churchill-these are just a few of the treasures available to the history collector. Whatever your interest, you will undoubtedly find collecting great historical works both intriguing and rewarding.