Adair, James. The History of the American Indians.

AUCTION 68 | Thursday, April 07th, 2016 at 1:00
Fine Judaica: Books, Manuscripts, Autograph Letters, Ceremonial Objects and Graphic Art

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Lot 329
(AMERICAN JUDAICA).

Adair, James. The History of the American Indians.

<<FIRST EDITION.>> Engraved folding map opposite title-page entitled “A Map of the American Indian Nations.” Title-page signed: “Col. Guy Johnson, London, March, 1776.” pp. (10), 464. Touch foxed, map taped on verso. Contemporary calf, worn, upper cover detached. Lg. 4to. Sabin 155.

London: Edward & Charles Dilly 1775

Est: $2,000 - $3,000
PRICE REALIZED $2,200
Fully an entire half of this extensive survey is devoted to: “Observations and Arguments in proof of the American Indians being descended from the Jews (see pp. 15-220). First edition of the “best 18th-century English source on the Southern tribes, written by one who traded forty years with them” (Howes A38). Guy Johnson (1740-88) was an Irish-born military officer and diplomat for the Crown during the American War of Independence. He had migrated to the Province of New York as a young man and worked alongside his uncle, Sir William Johnson, British Superintendent of Indian Affairs of the northern colonies. Accompanied by: Autograph Letter Signed from Thomas Coutts & Co. concerning financial matters relating to the Estate of Col. Johnson. London, 10th July, 1789.