Click for full-size.
Sketches in the History of the Underground Railroad Comprising Many Thrilling Incidents of the Escape of Fugitives from Slavery, and the Perils of Those Who Aided Them
by Eber M. Pettit
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Wilmington, Delaware, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Fredonia, New York: W. McKinstry & Son 1879. 174 [4, blank] pages. First edition. Introduction by W. McKinstry. Bound in publisher's cloth; soil to upper cover, spine gilt lightened, small area of bubbling to lower cover, hinges expertly strengthened.
Eber M. Pettit (1802-1885) was a conductor on the Underground Railroad in New York state. He dedicated Sketches to Frederick Douglass who had once stated that Pettit "was one who stood by me and aided me in the publication of my paper in Rochester thirty years ago." (Calarco)
Pettit's father was a doctor, herbalist, entrepreneur, and an active anti-slavery agitator. By the 1840s, both he and his son were promoting the Liberty Party and involved in the Underground Railroad. Pettit traveled as an agent below the Mason-Dixon line, promoting the family's herbal medicines. In these travels, he was able to observe the southern portion of the Underground Railroad, to hear and collect stories that he heard from other conductors, and to witness firsthand the conditions of those enslaved. Pettit aided fugitive slaves first in Fredonia, New York, and then nearby in the small town of Versailles. (ibid)
Pettit's book is found in a number of variants. Some copies were issued with an albumen frontispiece portrait of the author, while others, like this one, were not; alternatively, some have been catalogued as containing a cabinet card portrait of Pettit laid inside. The book was issued in plain and decorative cloth, and printed wrappers. In our observations, it is predominantly encountered in a dark brick-red binding decorated with repeating motifs of black bands, scrolling vines, and a circle/star design. This particular copy features a variant golden brown cloth binding with the aforementioned patterns.
Howes P-271. LCP, Afro-Americana 7663. Blockson Catalogue 9966. Work p338.
Reviews
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Bookseller
- Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 3734043
- Title
- Sketches in the History of the Underground Railroad Comprising Many Thrilling Incidents of the Escape of Fugitives from Slavery, and the Perils of Those Who Aided Them
- Author
- Eber M. Pettit
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
Terms of Sale
Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
We are members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). As such, we abide by their code of ethics and conduct. We are also members of The Manuscript Society and The Ephemera Society of America (Lifetime). Ian Brabner is also a member of The Grolier Club.
All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be as described and authentic. All major defects are noted. Images are not to scale, measurements are given. Returns are accepted for any reason within 12 days of receipt. We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, and check. Institutions and libraries may be billed per their budgetary requirements.
All items are subject to prior sale. Title does not pass to the buyer until the purchase price has been discharged in full.
About the Seller
Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
Biblio member since 2020
Wilmington, Delaware
About Ian Brabner, Rare Americana (ABAA)
Established in 1995, Ian Brabner, Rare Americana buys and sells rare books and manuscripts covering diverse facets of American history.
Our inventory encompasses a broad spectrum of collecting interests, with a special focus on 18th- and 19th-century American history, including African-American history, women's history, and unique or unusual materials documenting the American experience. In our stock, you will also find rare pamphlets, documents, letters and correspondence, journals, diaries, significant archives, as well as original art, graphics, and photographs.
Our inventory encompasses a broad spectrum of collecting interests, with a special focus on 18th- and 19th-century American history, including African-American history, women's history, and unique or unusual materials documenting the American experience. In our stock, you will also find rare pamphlets, documents, letters and correspondence, journals, diaries, significant archives, as well as original art, graphics, and photographs.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- New
- A new book is a book previously not circulated to a buyer. Although a new book is typically free of any faults or defects, "new"...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
- Cloth
- "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...
- Wrappers
- The paper covering on the outside of a paperback. Also see the entry for pictorial wraps, color illustrated coverings for...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
Frequently asked questions
This Book’s Categories
Collecting P. T. Barnum
P. T. Barnum was not only one of the founders of modern day circus performance, he was also the author of the second most printed book of the 19th century. Learn about collecting P. T. Barnum books and ephemera here.
Handling and Storing Books
Take care of your old books — vintage, antiquarian, and fine — with these tips from a professional bookseller
