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2 volumes. Forty-three plates (including two folding maps) and eleven family trees (ten folding). (Folio) 13¼x9½, contemporary three quarter calf and marbled boards, spines lettered in gilt and stamped in blind, raised bands, top edge gilt. Subscriber's folio issue of the second edition. Number 27 of 101 copies printed.

This impressive work was originally issued in sixteen parts from 1852 to 1856. It is a thorough history of Boston and New England from the earliest British settlements to the eve of the American Revolution. Drake has included scores of illustrations of important figures in the region's history, as well as engravings of famous places and buildings, and genealogical charts of some of the distinguished families, among them the Adams, Eliot, and Saltonstall clans. "Like all the writings of Mr. Drake, this shows exhaustive knowledge and scrupulous care" - Larned. Howes notes the present "Second Edition," but not the folio or two-volume formats. Rosenbach Americana, 1917, 8-333; Another edition: Howes D475; Sabin 20872; Larned 924. With the bookplate of collector James Frothingham Hunnewell.