EARLY HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, 1784, WITH FASCINATING ACCOUNTS OF THE INDIAN NATIONS (“LIBERTY… IS THEIR DARLING PRIVILEGE FOR IT IS THE GREAT AND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THEIR POLICY THAT EVERY MAN IS EQUALLY FREE AND INDEPENDENT”)

[FRANKLIN, James]. A Modern View of the Thirteen United States of America. London: David Walker, [1784]. Slim octavo, late 19th-century three-quarter black calf, marbled boards and endpapers. $2000.

First edition of one of the earliest histories of the United States to be published after the American Revolution, with fascinating accounts of Franklin, William Penn, the Indian Nations and life in America.

Published anonymously in 1784, this slender history written only a few years after the American Revolution surveys the European settlement of the continent, then provides a closer look at the histories, economies, climates, wildlife and particular cultures of the 13 original states, as well as Florida and Vermont. With appendix summarizing the state constitutions for Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Included are fascinating accounts of life in the early states, including the Indian Nations ("They generally bury their dead with great decency…"). Sabin 49819. Howes M707. Contemporary owner signature.

Minor soiling and a few expert marginal paper repairs; slight edgewear to boards, joints expertly repaired. A scarce early account of American history in extremely good condition.