5 volumes 8vo (218 x 132 mm). Engraved portrait of Washington after Gilbert Stuart in Vol. I. (Some spotting to portrait, scant spotting to a few leaves, slight browning to a few leaves, without the 22-page subscribers list, as often.) Contemporary calf, smooth spines gilt, tan morocco lettering-piece gilt (some rubbing or wear); Atlas: contemporary cloth-backed boards, printed label to upper cover. Provenance: Matthew Gregory (signatures on titles).

FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE, with 1804 imprints in the first three volumes, octavo format. Marshall's fundamental biography of Washington was compiled from the late President's papers. "After the able, accurate, and comprehensive work of Chief Justice Marshall, it would be presumptuous to attempt a historical biography of Washington" (Sparks, Washington, I.12). Howes M-317; Sabin 44788 (one of "the only complete editions of this indispensable work").

[With:] Atlas to Marshall's Life of Washington. Philadelphia: J. Crissy, ca 1838. Engraved title, 10 double-page engraved maps, a few with hand-coloring. (Some minor spotting.) Original cloth-backed boards, printed label to upper cover. Howes M-317; Sabin 44788.