The Life of George Washington – John Marshall – 1804 | First Edition Set, 5 Volumes

John Marshall admired George Washington greatly and sought to publish a thorough biography on the President’s life. It was based on written records that were provided by Washington’s family. However, two-thirds of this biography is concerned with Washington’s military career and depicts an accurate portrayal of the major battles of the American Revolutionary War (Sparks, preface). Larned even notes that this work is “one of the three most famous lives of Washington.”

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Life of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American Forces During the War Which Established the Independence of His Country, and First President of the United States
• Author(s): John Marshall
• Publisher: Philadelphia, Printed and published by C.P. Wayne
• Edition: First Edition, 1804–1807
• Format: Octavo, five volumes
  • Includes the 1807 fifth volume, rarely included in first edition sets
• Binding: Full leather
• Size:  8.75in x 5.5in (22cm x 14cm)
• Collation:
  • Vol. I – [2], xxii, 488, 45, [1] pp
  • Vol. II – viii, 560, 72 pp
  • Vol. III – viii, 580, 28 pp
  • Vol. IV – viii, 626, [2], 16 pp
  • Vol. V –  vii, 779, [36]
• Illustrations: includes portrait of Washington in volume 1
• References: Sparks, Writings of George Washington; Sabin 44788; Howes M 317; Larned 1561
• Contents Include:
  • Preface outlining the purpose and scope of the biography
  • Narrative of Washington’s military service and presidency
  • Appendices featuring correspondence, dispatches, and state papers
  • Early historical account of Revolutionary America and federal government formation

Condition:

Bound in full contemporary leather, the volumes remain structurally sound with strong corners and secure hinges. The spine of volume I has been professionally restored. Pages exhibit expected age toning and moderate foxing throughout, consistent with early 19th-century American imprints.

Why Collect This?

• First authorized biography of George Washington, published within a decade of his death
• Authored by Chief Justice John Marshall, using private and state papers
• Includes early publication of official documents and correspondence
• Early Philadelphia imprint in full contemporary leather bindings
• A foundational Federalist-era perspective on American independence and leadership

Item Number: # 29611