Catalog Archive
Auction 157, Lot 770

"[Facsimile - 2 Volumes] Major Andre's Journal",

Subject: References

Period: 1904 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
7.9 x 10.3 inches
20.1 x 26.2 cm
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This exquisite facsimile of Major John Andre's journals was published by the Bibliophile Society in 1903. During the Revolutionary War, Andre was captured and hanged as a spy by the Continental Army for his role in Benedict Arnold's attempted surrender of the fort at West Point. Despite his crime, Andre remains a somewhat admired figure in America for his dignity and courage. George Washington himself once said of Andre, "Everything that is amiable in virtue, in fortitude, in delicate sentiment, and accomplished manners, pleads for him; but hard-hearted policy calls for a sacrifice." The journals cover the years 1777 and 1778, just a couple years before his death in 1780. Reproductions of several manuscript battle maps are included, as are illustrations of Andre and an image of his handwritten appeal to Washington. This is one of only 467 copies published on handmade paper; 10 copies were printed on Japanese vellum for members of the Bibliophile Society, 10 more for William K. Bixby, owner of the original manuscript, and one for then President Theodore Roosevelt. Hardbound in vellum with the top of the pages gilt.

References:

Condition: B+

Contents near fine with some light unobtrusive toning along the edges of the pages and light soiling to the covers.

Estimate: $700 - $850

Sold for: $400

Closed on 5/4/2016

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