Judson, Levi Carroll

The Moral Probe

New York Published by the Author 1848 or One Hundred and Two Common Sense Essays on the Nature of Men and Things: Interspersed with scraps of Science and History.... With an Appendix, containing The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, Washington's Farewell Address, and a Miniature Biography of Washington, the Signers, and Patrick Henry. Frontispiece portrait of Judson holding a copy of this book. 8vo. [206 x 127 x 32 mm]. 272, 64 pp. Bound in contemporary black roan, the covers blocked in gilt with a three-line border, enclosing arabesque and floral ornaments, a large vase, four portrait heads within circular single-line frames, and at the centre of the front cover a separate block depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and on the rear a block of Washington receiving his Commission. Smooth spine lettered and blocked in gilt with a vase, the American eagle and a column, yellow endleaves, gilt edges. (Minute hole in the upper joint, and slightly rubbed). The title-page states this to be the First Edition. It is actually a new edition of "The Probe, or One Hundred and Two Essays...", published at Philadelphia in 1846. It is not recorded in NUC, but NSTC does refer to a copy at the Library of Congress, which it inexplicably calls the fourth edition. There is also a copy in the Papantonio Collection of American Bookbindings at the American Antiquarian Society. There is some foxing to the text, but it is overall a very good copy. The binding is splendid, and the front cover is held up to view by Judson in the frontispiece portrait. It was probably made in Philadelphia, where in the mid-1840's there was a flowering of composite-plaque bindings, on which the design often descends from the top of the board while its mirror image ascends from the bottom, and the central unit changes from front to back to add variety (see "Bookbinding in America 1680-1910. From the Collection of Frederick E. Maser", Bryn Mawr (1983), p.90). Levi Carroll Judson announced that his "object has been, to probe the festering wounds of human nature, and point the afflicted patient to a healing remedy". The essays "inculcate sterling integrity, unyielding virtue, ardent patriotism, active philanthropy, pure benevolence, and universal charity". The work is a handy antidote to moral turpitude, a condition which can still deny one entry into the United States. Judson was also the author of "a Biography of the Signers of the Declaration", "The Masonic Advocate" and "The Sages and Heroes of the American Revolution". Ink initials P.P.B. and pencil signature of George N. Frewern.

• GBP 300.00 > other currencies
• ordernr.: ebc890

• bookseller: George Bayntun (GREAT BRITAIN)