Political Annals of the Present United Colonies, From Their Settlement to the Peace of 1763; Compiled Chiefly From Records, and Authorised Often By the Insertion of State-papers

London: Printed by the Author and sold by J. Bowen, 1780. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. A history of America written by a British Loyalist at the height of the Revolution, drawing upon extensive archival research, and so invaluable to early American historians with very different political views. Although Chalmers intended a second volume (and the title page describes the volume as 'Book I') this was the only volume published. ESTC T149593. Three quarter binding, front upper joint starting. Small 'Liverpool Library' stamp to title page, minor foxing throughout, with the worst on the title page (pictured). [10], [1]-695 pp. 11.5 x 9.5". From the first chapter: "Of these colonies it cannot be asserted, as it is of European nations, that their origin is uncertain or unknown; that their ancient history is fabulous and dark; or that their original institutions have come down the current of time, loaded with the disputation have come down the current of time, loaded with the disputations of the antiquary. Here, there is as little room for the dreams of conjecture or the obscurities of tradition, as for the regret of the philosopher, that the establishment of nations, which is the most important and instructive part of their annals, is generally the most imperfect." As a large, heavy book this item may require additional shipping charges.