Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs

Lot 210
16.06.2023 10:00UTC -05:00
Classic
Sold
$ 1 134
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
Archive
The auction is completed. No bids can be placed anymore.
Archive
ID 967406
Lot 210 | Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs
Estimate value
$ 1 000 – 2 000
BURROUGHS, Stephen (c.1765-1840). Memoirs of Stephen Burroughs. Hanover, NH: Benjamin True, 1798.

First edition of "one of the great criminal autobiographies, and an important piece of picaresque Americana" (Streeter). Burroughs was a quintessential rogue: a runaway who deserted from the army, dropped out of college, went to sea, impersonated a ship's physician, impersonated a parson, and escaped from multiple prisons including an island fortress (in one case by setting fire to the prison). He later moved to Canada and became head of a counterfeiting ring before reforming and taking up a post as a youth pastor. This is his story in his own words and, according to Reese, "one of the first such confessional works published in the United States." A continuation was printed in Boston in 1804, and complete sets are rare. Evans 33478; Sabin 9466; Howes B-1022; Streeter sale 724; Reese, Federal Hundred 72.

Octavo (203 x 125mm). (A few paper flaws and tears affecting some letters, foxing and toning, some sheets with faint impressions.) Contemporary mottled calf (joints cracked, some repairs to boards).
Address of auction CHRISTIE'S
20 Rockefeller Plaza
10020 New York
USA
Preview
16.06.2023
Phone +1 212 636 2000
Fax +1 212 636 4930
Email
Conditions of purchaseConditions of purchase
Shipping Postal service
Courier service
pickup by yourself
Payment methods Wire Transfer
Business hoursBusiness hours
Mo 09:30 – 17:00   
Tu 09:30 – 17:00   
We 09:30 – 17:00   
Th 09:30 – 17:00   
Fr 09:30 – 17:00   
Sa closed
Su closed

Related terms

?>