History of Canada

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Auction dateClassic
17.01.2024 11:00UTC -04:00
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CHRISTIE'S
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ID 1119241
Lot 86 | History of Canada
History of Canada

William Smith, 1815

SMITH, William (1769-1847). History of Canada; from its First Discovery, to the Peace of 1763. Quebec: printed for the Author by John Neilson, 1815.



First edition in original boards of this controversial history, suppressed until the author was en route to England. “Though printed in 1815, in an edition limited to 300 copies, this work was not published until 1826, probably from motives of interest, as its appearance produced much adverse criticism from many French-Canadians, who accused its author of prejudice and ill-will against Canadians and their institutions. It finally appeared at the moment when its author (who was the son of the historian of New York) and his wife were embarking for England” (Church). The second volume continues the history to 1791 and a third volume is surmised, but no copy is known. The figure 5 in the date on the title page of the first volume is impressed on three succeeding leaves, as noted by Sabin and Gagnon, who draw the conclusion that the title page, at least, was printed before that year (possibly in 1812). Church 1312; Sabin 83625; Streeter sale 3664.



Two volumes, octavo (255 x 156 mm). Census slip present in vol. 2 (marginal dampstain). Original paper-backed boards, printed paper spine labels, uncut (corners showing, upper cover of vol. 1 started, some creasing and small chips to spines).

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