The New Pocket Biographical Dictionary (With portrait of George Washington)

John Kingston

Kingston Bookseller, 1811

Bound in contemporary polished leather. Gilt spine stamping. Solid binding and cover. Minor shelf wear.  Two portraits: frontispiece portrait of George Washington, additional portrait of Mrs. Rowe. 308, [3] pages ; 15 cm. Text printed in two columns. Bookplates on front pastedown. Sabin 37901. First printed in 1810 under the title, "The new American biographic dictionary, or, Memoirs of many of the most eminent persons that have ever lived in this or any other nation". 

A scarce early biographic dictionary of America.  The second entry is for Samuel Adams and the third is for John Adams. For Samuel Adams, Kingston writes, "The independence of the United States of America is, perhaps, to be attributed as much to his exertions, as to the exertions of any one man.  Though he was called to struggle with adversity he was never discouraged.  He was consistent and firm under the cruel neglect of a friend and the malignant rancour of an enemy comforting himself in the darkest seasons with reflections upon the wisdom and goodness of God."