Elements of Geometry by Legendre, Adrien-Marie - 1819

Cambridge, Mass: The University Press at Cambridge, 1819. 1819. Very early, possibly first appearance in America of the English translation of Legendre's classic textbook, 'Elements de Geometrie', originally published in France in 1794. This edition dated 1819 on the title page and published in "Cambridge, New-England" at the University Press, "For the use of the students of the University." Printed by Hilliard and Metcalf. The translator is not credited, though the translation matches that of John Farrar. Copies of this early edition are exceedingly scarce. The book is in Poor/Fair condition; worn with loss to text, yet exceptional as it includes 12 FOLDED PLATES bound at the end of the book. Originally half-leather bound with marbled boards, the spine has perished and the front board is detached. Title page detached but present. The book lacks the front free endpaper as well as pages preceding the title page. The first 10 text pages are missing. A 2-page Advertisement and 3-page Preface following the title page are present. There is no introduction. Pages end at 208, following the 'Notes' section and is followed by the plates section. General condition of the pages is good - title page is heavily toned but text has light to moderate foxing, with occasional small spottings and several penciled notations. The bottom half of page 199, the final page of text, before the Notes, has been excised, but no text is missing- the user removed the blank portion of the page, which was backed by a blank. Plates are rumpled and moderately edge worn but all are complete. Pl. 1 has some dark stains at the center and 3 plates have closed tears - the tears have not been taped or repaired. Trim size: 5-1/4 x 8-1/4". Hardcover. Fair/No Jacket. 8vo.