Extra-illustrated, and a signed letter, and an original manuscript page. Napoleon and his Marshals by J.T. Headley

This 1846 Napoleon and his Marshals is richly extra-illustrated, with seventy-nine additional plates; this copy also has a letter from the author (signed) and (included with the letter) a page from the original manuscript! In a handsome recent binding, ready for future generations to enjoy. The author, J.T. Headley, was the Secretary of State of New York, among other endeavors (historian, author, editor, adventurer, politician, etc).

About the Work -

From the 1846 Merchant’s Magazine and Commercial Review – “We noticed the appearance of the first volume of this work in the last number of this Magazine; and expressed in general terms , its design and character . That volume relates chiefly to Napoleon; the present embraces sketches of fourteen of his marshal , with portraits of Marshals Murat , Mas- sena , Victor , Bessieres , Suchet , and Ney . Mr. Headley's work will no doubt correct , in a measure , the erroneous and unjust opinions of Napoleon , derived mainly from the partial and distorted views of the English press ; and although , as the friends of humanity , we cannot admire the character of the great military chieftain , we perfectly coincide with the author in his final statement , that Napoleon and France do not merit the exclusive condemnation which has been meted out to them . Placing Napoleon above the monarchs that surrounded him, both in virtue and genius, Mr. H. disdains the idea of making him a model for others. Napoleon's great sin was an unhallowed ambition; but he accomplished more for downtrodden , priest and king ridden humanity , than all the profligate legitimates that combined to destroy him , and at the same time crush the faint aspirations of the people for a larger and more rational freedom.”

About the Letter, Autograph and Manuscript -

From the letter, it's gathered that the extra-illustrator of the present volumes requested a letter from the author, in reply, the author sent the requestor a page of the work's manuscript. The author also signed his letter to the requestor. Both the letter and manuscript are bound into this work.

Bibliographic Details -

Worldcat OCLC 16770805 and 936354286. Not rare, 24 copies recorded in the world's libraries.

Physical Attributes -

Two volumes, each measuring approx. 19.5 x 12 x 4 cm. Leather spines and corners, with marbled paper boards. Top-edges gilt. Two-colored endbands. Spine with five raised bands; four compartments with a central gilt leafy tool framed by a roll of gilt leaves, two compartments with the title, author and volume in gilt, the year in gilt at the base of the spines.

Extra-illustrated. Both volumes originally included six illustrations. There are an additional thirty-eight in volume one, and forty-one in volume two. 4

A tipped in letter, and page of the original manuscript in volume 1.

Condition -

See pictures. Very nice bindings; recently executed. Top edge gilt bright, block edges clean. Pages toned throughout. Waterline throughout both books, intermittent but prevalent. Bookseller ticket on verso of vol 1 flyleaf. The Baker and Scribner catalogues with rougher edges from being opened. In volume one, the printed section drawn from the manuscript is marked.