MARSHALL, John (1755-1835). The Life of George Washington. London: Richard Phillips, 1804-1807.

The first English edition of Chief Justice John Marshall's classic biography of Washington, extra-illustrated and finely bound. The added illustrations include portrait engravings, facsimile letters and folding maps; many of the engravings and maps are colored. Marshall, who was a personal friend of Washington, had announced his death in 1799, arranged his funeral, and delivered the eulogy. Shortly afterward, Washignton's nephew Bushrod approached Marshall to write a biography of his late uncle, and the present volumes constitute the first authoritative biography of Washington. This set features ten facsimiles of letters by William Penn, Robert Morris, Stephen Girard, John André, Thomas Coke, Clement Biddle, William Cobbett, and Martha Washington. The engraved maps (most of which are folding) include campaign maps of Boston, New York, White Plains, New Jersey and the Siege of Charleston, among others.

Five volumes, quarto (260 x 195mm). Morocco gilt by Bayntun, spine gilt in six compartments, gilt turn-ins, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Custom slipcases.