"VARIOUS OPINIONS WERE ENTERTAINED, CONCERNING JOHN BROWN—THE FREE-SOIL MEN CONSIDERING HIM AS A HERO AND THE PRO-SLAVERY PEOPLE REGARDING OR AFFECTING TO REGARD HIM AS A DEMON INCARTNATE"
BARRY, Joseph, under the pseudonym JUNIOR, Josephus. The Annals of Harper's Ferry with Sketches of its Founder, and Many Prominent Characters Connected with its History, Anecdotes, &c. Martinsburg, West Virginia: Printed at the Office of the "Berkeley Union", 1872. Octavo, sewn as issued, original printed pictorial yellow paper wrappers. $600.
Second edition of this early history of Harper's Ferry, concentrating on John Brown's raid and with portrait plates of John Brown and John W. Garrett, in original wrappers featuring an engraving of John Brown.
This second edition of The Annals of Harper's Ferry was released after the first edition, published in Hagerstown in 1869, met with "unexpected success." Barry enhanced this edition, adding extra material, and the publishers increased the print run. The book focuses on the history of Harper's Ferry, but largely focuses on John Brown's raid and its aftermath, including the events of the Civil War. Barry, a native of Ireland, spent most of his life in Harper's Ferry and became deeply interested in the history of his chosen home. Barry was present for the John Brown Raid and even attended Brown's trial, making him an important source on the events of the era.
The first edition was published in Hagerstown in 1869.
See Howes B191; Eberstadt 137-065; Sabin 36667. Faint evidence of shelf number to front wrappers. Author's name written in pencil on front wrapper in an owner's hand.
Printing error to pages 99 to 102 blurring last word of each line but still legible, first signature trimmed slightly short at binding, only slight occasional soiling to interior, chip to marginal bottom corners of front wrapper and title page, wear to extremities mainly affecting spine and front joint. An extremely good copy.