Search Results: 19th Century Rare Book from Katz Fine Manuscripts Inc.

New Jersey. Fair with no dust jacket. 1860. Softcover. On offer is a remarkable artifact from the great days of sail and maritime enterprise in 19th century America. The first page of the manuscript bears the name "OHIO" and "American Line". The author notes that this manuscript includes “Foreign List of Corespondents [sic]…and List of Vessels Arriving at Woodbury NJ, 1866, 7, 8, 9, 70…and Diary for 1867, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75". There is a name on the cover page - J. Standley Twells. The manuscript contains a wide variety of information and suggests that Twells may have been a shipping agent, responsible for procuring supplies or cargo for various ships that came to the harbor of Woodbury, New Jersey. Certainly, at some point, Twells became a ship Captain himself. On page 31, there is a rough diagram of a 3-masted barque showing its exterior dimensions. Throughout the manuscript, Twells records various vessels that he has business with. These include… Read More

Good+. 1803. On offer is a superb, original 1803 - 1805 manuscript cypher and navigation book handwritten by a young midshipman James Maurice Shipton aboard the noted HMS Thunderer, a ship forever in the history books as the ship that spotted the emerging Spanish fleet and thusly began the Battle of Trafalgar and the demise of Britain's enemies and sadly the hero of the day Lord Horatio Nelson. [Notably Thunderer also took part in the Glorious 1st of June Battle against the French in 1794.] James Maurice Shipton who would one day captain his own ship and reap accolades, created this book while theThunderer worked blockade duty along the French coast. Mere months later the ship would engage in the Battle of Trafalgar and the decisive engagement by the British would end the rule of the French despot and dictator Napoleon Bonaparte. Included are a number of letters from archivists and historians providing background info on Shipton. The book is in wonderful condition, the vellum save for… Read More

LIMBOURG BELGIUM. Good. 1805. On offer is a super, original begun in 1805 manuscript cookbook with many 100s of European culinary recipes [receipts] handwritten in French whose origins begin in a castle in Limbourg Belgium. Inscribed 'Livre de Cuisine a Marie Barbe Therese Henrotay Commence le 3 Juillet 1805.' There is one major hand throughout, Marie likely, with other hands later with other dates of a few entries on the last pages through to the 1840s and remarkably a few from 1915! The recipes are all encompassing: meats, desserts, baking, storage, preparation etc. Absolutely stunning in its breadth. We note one pair of very unique to this particular book pages: 263 and 264 enigmatically titled 'Preservatif Contre Cholera morbus - Extrait de la Gaseppe de la D'aip-La Chapelle Du 1st Septembre 1831' which we believe refers to a gastrointestinal illness of cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting but not used technically. The well centered inscription bordered with… Read More

Collegio Romano ROME ITALY. Good+. 1807. Original Vellum. On offer is an original handwritten Latin mathematics manuscript detailing the instruction and works of Abbot Giuseppe Calandrelli (1749 - 1827) who was a famous Italian astronomer and mathematician. After the Jesuit order was suppressed, after the direction of the Collegio Romano was given over to priests from other orders, young Calandrelli perfected his scientific studies and became the substitute for his maestro, Father François Jacquier. He earned many prestigious titles: giving physics lessons after the professor died; director of the Accademia di Fisica, entrusted by the Pope to bring electricity to the Papal Palace on the Quirinal Hill, among others. He founded a school of astronomy in Rome. This manuscript dated 1807 is divided in IX books and is adorned with 24 original folding drawings in the end. On the frontispiece there is a Masonic drawing. Ex libris of Andrae Belli, surgeon, official and doctor at the… Read More

SCOTLAND IRELAND ENGLAND DUBLIN EDINBURGH UK. Good. 1809. On offer is a remarkable, original 1809 - 1833 handwritten manuscript book once used by the British Army's 94th Regiment of Foot. This book contains all manner of writings relevant to the running and goings-on of the Regiment by the Officers. The book is rather eclectic containing standing orders, regimental orders, different charts and forms for payroll and other reportage [for example on the conditions of the Dublin Garrison], orders of the day, direct communications between officers, public requests for leave, advancement of funds, settling of accounts etc., public apologies for poor behavior, copies of letters sent to superiors up to and including the Duke of York, Commander of all His Majesty's Forces and many other of Britain's peerage and there are even personal reminiscences, notes of reference for departing soldiers plus much, much more. Most of the entries of personal notes and those for Day Book purposes are… Read More

BURLINGTON NEW JERSEY NJ. Good. 1813. On offer is a super relic of 200 year old legal precedents and legal opinion being a hardcover book: The Scrivener's Guide, Third Edition, written by William Griffith Counsellor at Law, published by David Allinson. Of particular interest to historians of the law and legal precedents are the nine [9] additional pages of handwritten notes on all the blank pages defining and explaining various aspects of law not included or in addition to the published material. The handwritten notes appear to be transcriptions from other works and we believe the notes are provided by Abraham Westerfelt whose ownership signature appears in a similar hand on the title page and a fep. The 6.5 x 4.25 inch book is rubbed and generally showing signs of wear but overall G.; Manuscript; 24mo - over 5" - 5¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, SCRIVENER'S GUIDE, WILLIAM GRIFFITH, ABRAHAM WESTERFELT, CONTRACT LAW, LAWYERS, LEGAL, DAVID ALLINSON, LEGAL PRECEDENTS,… Read More

Very Good with no dust jacket. 1814. Softcover. On offer is a centuries-old superb example of a mathematics cipher (or cypher) book. The author's name is inscribed on the inside front cover but would require an expert in copperplate printing to decipher it. However, the date is quite clear – 1814. This handwritten journal of mathematical calculations and equations includes sections on Geometry, Algebra, Arithmetic Calculations, Weights and Measures and Money (Pounds, Shillings and Pence). The teacher was likely guided by one of the many arithmetic textbooks still in wide use in the early 1800s. He would have expected the student to memorize rules and examples and thus learn how to carry out the mathematical operations for later use in business. The 'Cases' section towards the back of the book is an example of this teaching method. Our student would have copied down the cases to follow later rather than simply a general principle. The teacher probably also expected the… Read More

Good+. 1815. On offer is a fascinating, historically significant journal handwriten by Joel Cadbury, on his journey to post War of 1812 America. The journal sees Cadbury travel from England to the United States, travel south to Washington D.C. discussing many of the prescient questions of the early 1800s in America, including seeing the U.S. Senate debate the 'Missouri Question'. He travels to Virginia, where he sees and is disgusted with the state of slavery and African-Americans on plantations. He visits Mount Vernon and George Washington's tomb, and meets, by chance, the Vice President of the United States, Daniel D. Tompkins. While the cover of the journal says "Joel Cadbury's Account of his Voyages to and From American and from its shore from 1815 to 1820," the years of 1815 appear to have been cut out of the book. 4 pages are missing from the very beginning, and the journal's first entry is in 1816. The journal begins with Cadbury's journey on the… Read More

Good+. 1818. On offer is a superb early 19th Century manuscript relic of complex French mathematics and arithmetic education and scientific lore being a handwritten journal with over 600 pages of handwritten questions, theories, examples and other complex mathematical and geometric forms and equations including statistics and navigation being what appears to be an advanced student of the subject's personal workbook in a fine small hand and very attractively drawn mathematical diagrams throughout. Very fine precise writing illustrated throughout by graphs and geometric forms. We surmise the book was being prepared for final submission to their professor though not done given the title page was stopped with only the three faint letters: "G I N". Polished mottled calf and all edges gilt; internally, signs of stains and old mold stains to prelims and last section, notably last leaves, otherwise some intermittent toning and browning, slightly cocked. 8 vo., 19 x 13 cm. Overall… Read More

DEWSBURY WEST YORKSHIRE ENGLAND UK WAKEFIELD LEEDS. Good+. 1819. On offer is an original 1819 'DEWSBURY POOR RATE BOOK' [a book of 'poor rates' collected yearly from property owners to fund assistance to the needy of a parish] and besides being for the most part full included is a handwritten letter dated 1941 explaining that the book had come from the John Tweedale Settlement Trust (land at Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, England). Research provides that in 1864 John Tweedale takes the position of Lord Mayor of Dewsbury. In 1869 Joseph Tweedale Rawsthorne does the same. This book is superbly placed in early 19th centruy Dewsbury history as evidenced by this online entry: 'In the early 1800s Dewsbury was one of the centres of Luddite opposition to industrialization in which workers retaliated against the onset of mechanization and smashed the new machinery which threatened their way of life. In the 1830s Dewsbury was also one of the centres of Chartist agitation. The C vote… Read More

ENGLAND GREAT BRITAIN. Good. 1820. On offer is a super, early 19th Century manuscript book of recipes, an index on the back of the front board, 67 pages or so, hand numbered, then some unnumbered. There are also some loose recipes tucked in. We note with fascination that this book was likely started at the beginning of a marriage for a newlywed couple as the back board is inscribed: "Mr and Mrs Jackson were married on the 22nd of June 1819. Mr J. aged 24 and Mrs J. 22. Mrs J. was born Feb 20 1797." We speculate that this book was started soon after the commencement of their married life. Many unique recipes including: Risalles (likely Rissoles), Brageniza wine, Parte for Stringing Tartlets, Bleak house pudding, Miss Huggetts' Plum cake and more - see the photo of the index. Remedies include: Oil of Amber, Oil of Turpentine, Spirits of Hartshorn, Spirits of Wine, Spirits of Campion, Vinegar and eggs. Remedy for toothache: wet a piece of wool with creosote and put it into the… Read More

France. Good+. 1822. On offer is a superb, early 19th Century manuscript relic of Irish literature, poetry, philosophy, genealogy and practical remedies being a 220+ page book self identified by Charles De Vesci of Templeogue, Co. Dublin. While unconfirmed we believe this De Vesci is related to the noted and ancient family of peers of Ireland. The book is filled with handwritten copies of famous quotations, poems and portions of literary works but also includes passages in Greek and some in code it seems. There are some essays, some genealogical information, notes on natural history, historical retellings and even a few recipes and the thoughts of the author. The earliest date we find is 1822 and later dates to 1870s. The book may have writings in different hands or the differing penmanship of an aging man but notwithstanding historians and researchers will find a treasure trove of 19th Century thought. The notebook is well used and handled condition with staining, wear and tear etc. but… Read More

GREECE. Good. 1830. On offer is a lovely handwritten manuscript book on Greek history and culture, circa 1820-30s with over 150 pages in a beautiful, calligraphic hand and tightly written. The front cover is absent and there is no title page but we suspect this is a scrivener's work of duplicating an older work or text. Topic chapters include Sylla, Sertious & Eumenes, Pompey, Agesilaus, Niccas, Cleomenes, Agis, Caius Graechus, Tiberias Graechus +. In the upper left corner hard by the edge is what appears to be a smudged and soiled name of ownership which we think is 'Wm. W____'. No date but clearly early in the early part of the 19th century. This 4 by 7 inch book is missing the front cover but is otherwise G+.; 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall; GREECE, GREEK, HELLENIC, HELLAS, HISTORY, CULTURE, ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, DIARY, JOURNAL, LOG, KEEPSAKE, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS,… Read More

United States Legislature. Fair with no dust jacket. Hardcover. On offer is an autograph album circa 1830-1861, coinciding with the 29th through 34th United States Congresses, which ran from 1845 to 1857. The autographs contained within include 262 United States Senators and Congressmen. The majority of the autographs do not have accompanying dates, however one signer dated their entry 1843 and another dated their entry 1850. This album provides a quintessential glimpse into Antebellum Period US politics. It is clear to see, from the signatures and accompanying notation of the state from which each signer hails (some also note their home towns) , that the American legislature is still fully functional at this point. The album is easy to navigate as the owner has had all the Senators sign at the beginning of the album and then left a few blank pages before having Congressmen sign in the later pages of the album. The owner was able to gather 46 signatures of Senators from Alabama, Arkansas,… Read More

France. Good+. 1830. On offer is a superb, original pair [2] of 1830s manuscript journals of multi discipline subjects including; cosmography, mythology, navigation and exploration of the New World, ancient lore, history of powerful monarchies, an extensive history of France from ancient times to the Napoleon Bonaparte era etc all undoubtedly of an advanced level of study hand written by an unidentified student save, we believe, for the initials 'S.B.' in early 19th Century France. The treasured, large folio volumes, on fine watermarked paper comprised of some different sized text blocks, assembled between hard covers with lovely marbleized endpapers is titled on the spine: 'Melanges' and true to the name the books are chock a block with just over 500 pages of comprehensive notes, charts, illustrations etc making for an enormous compilation on the state of the subject's knowledge at the time. The books are representative of what is arguably the pinnacle of World class… Read More

LIMERICK CORNISH MAINE ME. Very Good. 1836. On offer is a sweet and very charming handwritten Book of Memories all dedicated to the owner Miss Susannah [Susan] Guptill. As noted on the inside fep it appears Miss Guptill became Susan Morrie at some later date as there is a pencil notation "Presented by Susan Morrie" to B. J. Guptill in 1859. Lovely marbelized cover and leather spine cap on this once premium journal style album. A number of the entries are accompanied by some wonderful calligraphy and naive folk art. VG.; Manuscript; 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall; KEYWORDS: HISTORY OF, HANDWRITTEN, MANUSCRIPT, DOCUMENT, LETTER, AUTOGRAPH, DIARY, JOURNAL, LOG, KEEPSAKE, WRITER, HAND WRITTEN, DOCUMENTS, SIGNED, LETTERS, MANUSCRIPTS, HISTORICAL, HOLOGRAPH, WRITERS, DIARIES, JOURNALS, LOGS, AUTOGRAPHS, PERSONAL, MEMOIR, MEMORIAL, PERSONAL HISTORY, PERU, INCA, MAYAN, MAYA, INCAN, SOUTH AMERICA, ART, ARTIST, TRAVEL, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, BRITAIN,antiquité,… Read More

BERLIN GERMANY. Good. 1836. Hardcover. On offer is an original handwritten 1836 German businessman's almanac, day book and diary by E. C. Conrad Wrede. Herr Wrede uses the book for a number of purposes as suggested by the manner of the notes. It appears to be counts and amounts of commercial transactions and a number of words like phosphates, transport, merinos [sheep] suggest Herr Wrede deals in any number of items. The book also contains names, addresses of commercial contacts and what appears to be his accounts receivables and payables. There are sections that suggest a list of things to remember, a page of plans and thoughts on some subject and his personal financials for travel and such. He rarely uses the daybook areas but writes for the most part on the pastedowns, endpapers and blank pages. About 28 pages have writing. This book also being an almanac has a number of printed pages of information relevant to a German traveller and a reader of old German will have a treasure… Read More

Good. 1838. On offer is an important and significant, unique set of published works on Cornish fauna, notable for numerous manuscript additions and drawings by the noted surgeon and naturalist William Pennington Cocks (1791-1878). BOOK SPECIFICS FOLLOW DESCRIPTION. This complete three-volume 1838 set lists the fauna of Cornwall in a systematic way: Parts I and II, "Vertebrate, crustacean, and a portion of the radiate animals" and "The testaceous mollusks" are by Jonathan Couch; part III, "The zoophytes and calcareous corallines" is by Richard Couch (his son). The first volume contains bats, mice, the 'whale tribe' (including grampus, porpoise, highfinned blower, and dolphin), birds, reptiles (including the viper and red viper), fishes (including 9 pages of Yarrell's observations on the lancelet), crustaceans, and radiated animals (mostly starfish). The second volume contains molluscs, together with an appendix taken from a report on the zoology of… Read More

London England. Good. 1840. On offer is a super, original 1840s manuscript copybook titled Practical Geometry handwritten by John Morris of London England. The book is comprised of geometry and trigonometry related to navigation and seamanship and contains many case studies for problems in Geometry and Trigonometry, with calculations, tables and illustrated examples, filling every page. Case studies for setting courses, determining longitude and latitude, calculating distances etc., etc. in various methods make for a superb early practical education in British nautical lore. The 140 page book includes a fair copy of an autograph letter written by Morris to his lawyer (later docketed Feb. 25, 1841) and a fair copy of a business recommendation letter requesting that the Duke of Northumberland appoint Morris lighthouse keeper or a lighthouse being erected dated March 13, 1841 concerning procuring a position in the Trinity House. Much, much more than a simple mathematics copybook this is an… Read More

WITTENBERG SAXONY-ANHALT GERMANY. Good+. 1840. On offer is a superb, original circa early 1800s through to 1847 manuscript and likely the lifetime research effort and written work on the history of wars throughout the world and what appears to be the ranking personnel. List upon list, conflict after conflict from ancient times, 1980 BC through to the 1840s and the Mexican Revolution was handwritten by a Von v.Loebell as inscribed on the fep in a later hand, the German author and compiler of this remarkable, significant historical 'database'. Research suggests the book was created in Wittenberg,[officially Lutherstadt Wittenberg], is a city in Saxony-Anhalt. The mind boggles with the enormity of the task and the resources Von v.Loebell needed to consult to accumulate this knowledge. We can only surmise that he was an academic or scholar who had access to a substantive library perhaps at the University of Wittenberg and while we were unable to find Von v.Loebell we believe local,… Read More