THE WAR WITH THE SOUTH, HANDSOMELY BOUND AND ILLUSTRATED

TOMES, Robert and SMITH, Benjamin G. The War with the South: A History of the Great American Rebellion; being a complete Narrative of the Origin and Progress of the War, with Biographical Sketches of Leading Statesmen, Naval and Military Commanders, etc. New York: Virtue and Yorston, circa 1866. Three volumes. Quarto, contemporary three-quarter brown morocco, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, marbled boards, endpapers and edges. $2600.

Early edition, three volumes abundantly illustrated with 27 color-printed maps and engraved plates of historical figures and dramatic scenes of the Civil War..

In addition to all of its profound effects on American society, the Civil War marked "the beginning of the real growth and expansion of the subscription book business in the United States" (Fahs, 290). Multiple subscription houses published chronicles of the conflict; Tomes' work originally saw print in parts, reflecting a belief that fighting would end quickly and would fill no more than a single volume's worth of history. As the struggle, however, stretched on, Benjamin Smith was hired to complete the work; it ultimately filled three quarto volumes. Written from a distinctly Northern point of view, Tomes and Smith's account emphasizes the politics of the era. Like its many companion publications, it helped Americans discern the Civil War's significance for the nation's identity. First published in book form in 1862. See: Dornbusch III:256; Nicholson, 843; Nevins et al. II:29; Rosenbach 2:703. Bookplates.

Text and plates fine, bindings handsome. An exceptionally attractive copy.