The American Declaration of Independence In The Gentleman's Magazine, and Historical Chronicle (London, 1776) Vol. 46, No. 1 (January 1776) to No. 12 (December 1776)
D, Henry, 1776. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. Item #1904028
The first British publication of the American Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. The Declaration appears for the first time in Britain in the August issue of the Gentleman's Magazine, contained here in Vol. 46, a bound volume of all twelve monthly issues of the magazine published in 1776. The Gentleman's Magazine was founded by Edward Cave in 1731 under his pseudonym Sylvanus Urban. It was the most influential periodical of its time. The first printing of The Declaration of Independency appears on page 361. The prior issue in July contained multiple reports of the growing unrest in the American colonies. Another article in the August issue entitled Account of the Proceedings of the American Colonists discusses the Declaration in typical British fashion: "Whether those grievances were real or imaginary, or whether they did or did not deserve a parliamentary enquiry, we will not presume to decide. The ball is now struck, and time only can shew where it will rest (page 377). The volume contains much America-related content including correspondence from George Washington and Parliamentary commentary about the colonies. The copper plates are present but the original maps are not. 608 pages, with title page and index. Bound in recent cloth. Identification numbers stamped and written on title page.
Price: $3,000.00