Thomas Jefferson's Copy of Aeschylus

The Chestertown Old Book Co. is pleased to offer an historically significant set of books from the personal library of Thomas Jefferson, assembled and interleaved by him, specially bound by his personal bookbinder, and containing Jefferson's unique quire ownership markings.

This is a seven volume set of The Tragedies of Aeschylus, in full leather, octavo in size, bound by Frederick Mayo in uniform bindings of gilt tooled calfskin. Each volume was assembled and bound according to Jefferson's specifications, resulting in varied texts, pagination, paper stock, and language: French, English, Greek and Latin. Following the 1815 sale of the bulk of his library to Congress, Jefferson continued to acquire books. The Retirement Library Catalogue, written in Jefferson's hand, constituted the third and final library at Monticello. After Jefferson died in 1826, his library was listed for auction through Nathaniel P. Poor in Washington, D.C., on February 27, 1829. This Aeschylus set is included in the Poor Catalogue.

Jefferson's habit was to mark his books at quires "I" and/or "T", by placing his initial in ink beside the quire signature. Jefferson's marks are present in these volumes. Jefferson's "strike-throughs" are also present on the title pages of four volumes. Also present is a handwritten notation by G.C. Verplanck, the original buyer at auction. This set of books has been in the Verplanck family since its purchase at the auction. In addition, the set of books is specifically referred to in a letter Jefferson wrote to Philadelphia book dealer John Laval on March 27, 1820.

For further information on this unique set of Jefferson's books please contact us at rarebooks@verizon.net, or telephone 410-810-3880.

War on the Home Front

Chester River Press has the privilege of working with distinguished aviation historian Mike Lavelle in the publishing of his "aviation papers," a collection of research, lectures and journal articles on key events in the history of aviation and in particular Boeing's contributions to the design and production of significant aircraft. Mr. Lavelle is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, and currently a Director at the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Washington. We have just completed and released the first of Mr. Lavelle's works, War on the Home Front: Building the B-29 Superfortress, a compelling, heavily illustrated study of the design and development of one of the most important aircraft of World War II. In the book's Foreword, distinguished historian and lecturer Richard P. Hallion states: "In this incisive and thorough study, aviation historian Mike Lavelle takes the reader deep into the design and production process that led to the B-29. Written by a historian totally in command of his sources and references, with an informed perspective shaped by years of following aerospace history, this history of the B-29 is certain to become a standard reference..." We look forward to continuing our work with Mr. Lavelle to publish the full collection of his aviation papers.

New Poetry Collections

Chester River Press has published the latest poetry collections of two well-known and highly regarded literary figures and poets, Mary Wood and Emily Vogel. The Philosopher's Wife, by Emily Vogel, contains 36 poems which, in the words of Michael Foldes "...speak to possibilities, revealing the mysteries of enchantment, the too-often fleeting moment of adoration that accompanies found love." Pulitzer Prize winning poet Franz Wright states: "From my first encounter with them I have been struck by the ferocity of clarity and understatement with which Vogel shapes and controls and, in fact, intensifies the impact of these splendidly constructed poems." In First Ice, Mary Wood presents 18 poems introduced by Kelly Castro: "Mary Wood does not struggle with life's process. The poems in this collection, most of which were written in the last ten years, are about a complete acceptance of life as it is. And though her poetry addresses time's inevitable effects, hers is not a sullen art." First Ice is adorned with four color art pieces by Kathryn Jankus Day, including the cover art, and the cover of The Philosopher's Wife is an art piece by Faith Wilson.

Tennessee

I had the pleasure of meeting with David Bruce Smith, writer and publisher, who has created a masterpiece production of three works by Tennessee Williams. Tennessee is a limited edition, four-color, letterpress, three-volume collection that contains the first publication of Tennessee Williams's recently discovered play These are the Stairs You Got To Watch, along with The Glass Menagerie, and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

Included in the collection are original artwork by Clarice Smith, depicting "Tennessee's Women," and a preface by Michael Kahn, Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Theatre. David Bruce Smith provides the commentary.

The books are elephant folios letterpress printed in four colors, finely bound and hand sewn on Fabriano Rusticus paper, with six color art prints from metal plates, all enclosed in a custom box. For those of us who admire Tennessee Williams's work, this set of books is awe-inspiring. Beautifully produced and a pleasure to read, it is a sincere tribute to Williams and also a stunning example of fine book making. I urge all to visit David's website at davidbrucesmith.com to learn more about this publication and his other offerings.

Discovering an Impressive New Blog

I've recently discovered a new blog worthy of your attention. Chris Adamson's superb observations at www.booksandvines.com shouldn't be missed. His reviews of new and special editions of classic books are informative, engaging, comprehensive and entertaining. A must-read blog for all of us who thirst for the latest in beautifully crafted books. Chris presents literature, art, fine wines and food in the expert manner of a true book lover. Click the link in the listing below right, and enjoy!

Chestertown Book Festival

The Chestertown Book Festival Committee is pleased to announce the Third Annual Chestertown Book Festival to be held Saturday, September 10, 2011, from 10am to 5pm, at the historic Prince Theatre, 210 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland, 21620.

Author John Barth will keynote the event at 7pm on Friday, September 9, on the campus of Washington College, and will be signing his new book on Saturday at the Prince Theatre. Also on Saturday, Adam Goodheart, Director of the C.V. Starr Center at Washington College will discuss and sign his new book 1861: The Civil War Awakening; and Richard Ben Cramer, Pulitzer-winning journalist and author, will discuss work in progress as well as his previous works, including What it Takes: The Way to the White House; Joe DiMaggio: The Hero's Life; and How Israel Lost: The Four Questions.

The Festival will include authors, illustrators, publishers, printers, booksellers, periodicals, etc. The Festival is now accepting participant applications for display space, please see the Festival website. Applications should be submitted by July 15. Space will be limited in the theatre, allowing for approximately 30-35 participants to display and sell their works. The Festival is open to the public free of charge. We welcome volunteers and donations. The Festival is a 501.c nonprofit organization.

Please check the website at www.chestertownbookfestival.org, or call 410-810-3880.

A Noteworthy Blog Discovery

The Whole Book Experience is a new blog worthy of your attention. The blog is dedicated to fine press books and presents news items on fine press happenings and events, profiles of presses, and reviews of fine press books. The blog is superbly presented, with clear photographs of books and interesting discussion. Don't miss it! Click the link on the blog listing in the right hand column, below.

Early Biographers of George Washington

Chester River Press has just published First in Their Hearts: Early Biographers of George Washington, by Gerard Cataldo and Barbara Chesney, 2011. The book discusses the biographies of Washington written by Mason Locke Weems, John Marshall, Jared Sparks, and Washington Irving. Published in connection with lectures given by Cataldo and Chesney to the Old Kent Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the book contains the text of both lectures and vignettes of the four biographers.