“THEY TALK TO US AS IF TO BE AN AMERICAN AND AN HONEST MAN AT THE SAME TIME WERE A MORAL IMPOSSIBILITY”

PUTNAM, George Palmer. American Facts. London: Wiley and Putnam, 1845. Octavo original blind-stamped navy cloth expertly rebacked with original spine laid down, uncut. $850.

First edition of this collection of facts and information about American life and culture in the mid-19th century, with hand-colored folding map of the United States and engraved portraits of George Washington, James Fenimore Cooper and Edward Everett.

Perhaps best known for publishing many of the leading authors of his day through Wiley and Putnam and G.P. Putnam & Son, George Palmer Putnam dedicated much of his life to being an unofficial ambassador of American literature and culture. "Impressed by the British misunderstanding of American problems he compiled a volume of American Facts (1845), designed to improve Anglo-American relations" (DAB). Included are detailed notes and statistics on American "government, resources, engagements, manufactures, commerce, religion, education, literature, fine arts, manners and customs." Without the plates "Mercy's Dream" and "Portrait of Daniel Webster," as issued and as reflected by the cancels on the illustration list. "Some copies were issued with the map and three portraits only" (Sabin 66795). With seven leaves of advertisements. Howes P658. Binder's ticket.

Closed tears to map with archival repairs, light offsetting of portraits, map, and tissue guards to surrounding pages, occasional soiling to text, moderate wear and soiling to original cloth. An extremely good copy.