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Robert Waln, Jr. — Life of the Marquis de La Fayette; Major-General in the Service of the United States of America, in the War of the Revolution. Philadelphia: J. P. Ayres, 1825. First edition.
Scarce early American biography of the Marquis de Lafayette, published shortly after his celebrated 1824–25 return to the United States. Complete with three engraved plates, including the frontispiece portrait and dramatic views of the Attack on York Town and Insurrection at Versailles. Bound in period full leather with gilt-ruled and decorative borders, gilt-tooled spine, and red morocco title label.
Of particular interest is the extensive early provenance inscription on the front endpaper, dated April 11, 1832, recording the volume as being held “as a token of remembrance” from Mrs. Henrietta Michie of Louisa County, Virginia, described in the inscription as consort of the late Capt. James Michie, and signed by James E. [surname indistinct]. An evocative piece of early Virginia provenance dating only seven years after publication.
Binding considerably rubbed and scuffed with edge and corner wear and losses at spine ends; hinges/joints show wear but boards remain soundly attached. Moderate to heavy age-toning, foxing and staining throughout, including the plates. Rear endpaper with later manuscript research annotations. Overall a complete, unrestored-appearing example in its period binding, distinguished by an unusually substantial 1832 presentation/provenance inscription.
