AMERICANA 38 AMERICANA❦ 49(CONTINENTAL CONGRESS). Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress, Held at Philadelphia, September 5, 1774. Philadelphia, 1774. Octavo, contemporary full brown calf rebacked, custom box. $65,000 “A Book Of The Greatest Rarity” First edition, first issue, of the first official journal of the Continental Congress, one of the earliest publications of the American government, also presenting for the first time an attempt to design a seal to “represent emblematically a united nation” in America. In response to the Coercive or Intolerable Acts enacted by Parliament, the First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia from September 5 through October 26, 1774. Their objective was to compose a statement of colonial rights, identify the British government’s violation of those rights, and provide a plan that would convince Britain to restore those rights. This is the first publication of the full account of these extraordinary proceedings, published immediately after the adjournment of Congress. “On that same busy day after Congress’ adjournment, October 27,… [the Bradfords] issued what is today a book of the greatest rarity, Journal of the Proceedings of the Congress” (Powell, Books of a New Nation, 45). Foremost in the proceedings was the “Declaration of Rights,” including: “life, liberty, and property” and representation and participation in legislation and government, etc. These important rights and liberties were the defining issues of the revolution and became the foundation of the Declaration of Independence. Only occasional light foxing and embrowning. A bit of expert restoration to corners of handsome contemporary calf. A most desirable copy of an American Revolutionary landmark of the utmost rarity and importance.
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