Robertson, William. The History of America, to which is added, The Posthumous Volume, containing the History of Virginia, to the year 1688; and of New-England, to the year 1652 (Two volume set). Albany: Printed and Published by E. & E. Hosford, 1822. From the Latest London Edition. [12449]
Two volumes in full tree calf, black & red spine title labels present on both volumes, joints fine, some worming to the boards yet both volumes very good and attractive indeed, 9 x 5 3/4 inches. Fine engraved frontispiece of the author in vol. i.; "The First Discovery of American by Columbus," and "Columbus Presenting the Productions of the New World to Ferdinand & Isabella," also in vol. i.; engraved plate "A Leader of the Savage Tribes" in vol. ii.; all by Balch, Bowdoin & Co. [i]-xvi, [17]-448; [1]-420 pp. Foxing in the text. Good. Hardcover.
"In describing the achievements and institutions of the Spaniards in the New World, I have departed, in many instances, from the accounts of preceding historians, and have often related facts which seem unknown to them...My inquiries were not confined to one region in America. Governor Hutchinson took the trouble of recommending the consideration of my queries to Mr. Hawley and Mr. Brainerd, two protestant missionaries, employed among the Indians of the Five Nations, who favoured me with answers, which discover a considerable knowledge of the people whose customs they describe. From William Smith, Esq. the ingenious historian of New York, I received some useful information. When I enter upon the History of our colonies in North America, I shall have occasion to acknowledge how much I have been indebted to many other gentlemen of that country." - Preface, Vol. I., pp. vi. & xiii.
William Robertson (1721-1793), celebrated Scottish historian and Church of Scotland minister, royal chaplain to George III.
"He is regarded, along with David Hume and Edward Gibbon, as one of the most important British historians of the 18th century." - Britannica online.
The title page identifies him as "Principal of the University of Edinburgh, Historiographer to His Majesty for Scotland, and Member of the Royal Academy of History at Madrid."
