"UNQUESTIONABLY THE GREATEST OF AMERICAN ORATORS"

WEBSTER, Daniel. The Works. Boston: Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1851. Six volumes. Tall octavo, 20th-century full crushed green morocco gilt, raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. $2000.

First collected edition of the towering statesman’s speeches, legal arguments, papers and correspondence, handsomely bound.

One of the most important statesmen in American history and "unquestionably the greatest of American orators" (Cambridge Biographical Dictionary), Webster served as congressman, senator, secretary of state and presidential nominee. His arguments before the Supreme Court in such cases as McCulloch v. Maryland, Gibbons v. Ogden, Dartmouth College v. Woodward shaped fundamental principles of American constitutional law. "Webster's remarkable political, diplomatic and legal careers were aided by his intellectual brilliance and personal magnetism. He contributed significantly to the concept of American nationality, to the idea of a perpetual Union, to perspectives on economic growth, to a modern legal system and to the rising importance of the United States in foreign relations" (ANB). This set of Webster's works includes his congressional speeches and public addresses, legal arguments, diplomatic and official papers and miscellaneous letters, as well as a biographical memoir by Edward Everett. With two engravings in Volume I. Moser 90.

Interior fine; spines toned. A handsome set.