ALS letter describing great book collectors in the United Kingdom.
Washington DC: Undated, c. 1838. From James Mitchell addressed to Hon. George P. Marsh, a letter outlining libraries, transactions and booksellers, many in England. James Mitchell was the British author of 'Conversations On General Knowledge or Universal Catechist Consisting of Superior Separate Catechisms of all Arts and Sciences' in 1837.
The letter is addressed to Honorable George P. Marsh, considered America's first environmentalist. In 1864 he published, "Man and Nature" later revised as 'The Earth as Modified by Human Action.' He applied science to life, with the aims and methods of a humanist rather than a scientist.
Marsh was also the first US ambassador to Italy. He reported to the Secretary of State in Washington DC detailed and updated descriptions of the political, social, economic and cultural situation on the peninsula.
4to, 2pp, original folds, undated however a postmark of "Dec. 9 Washington City DC" listed on the front with an amended address. Originally addressed to 'Mr. Marsh, Member of Parliament for Vermont [who possesses one of the best libraries in the United States]' which is then crossed out and written, "Hon., Geo. P. Marsh, Astor House, New York." Paper toned, split at one fold, otherwise very good. Item #28052
Price: $175.00