1857 Watson’s Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania—Illustrated Early City History
An original illustrated volume of John F. Watson’s Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, in the Olden Time, published in Philadelphia by Elijah Thomas in 1857.
This is Volume I of the expanded two-volume 1857 edition, one of the essential early histories of Philadelphia and colonial Pennsylvania. Watson compiled recollections, stories, and local traditions from elderly residents who remembered the city before the American Revolution, preserving details that might otherwise have disappeared.
The book explores Philadelphia from the period of William Penn through the early nineteenth century, including its streets, homes, churches, markets, taverns, libraries, public institutions, customs, prominent residents, and changing social life. It also contains material concerning the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania’s interior.
Among its most appealing features are numerous engraved views of historic Philadelphia, including:
- George Washington’s presidential residence on High Street
- Loxley’s House on South Second Street
- Early Philadelphia taverns and meeting places
- Colonial houses, churches, markets, and public buildings
- An engraved portrait of William Penn after the 1666 life portrait
Watson’s work remains especially valuable because many of the structures he described and illustrated were demolished shortly before or after publication. His Annals helped preserve the visual and anecdotal history of colonial and Revolutionary Philadelphia.
The volume has early Pennsylvania provenance. The front pastedown bears a manuscript ownership inscription dated May 4, 1859, from Spring Dell, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, apparently belonging to John Roberts. The same name appears on the title page.
Bibliographical details: John F. Watson, Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, in the Olden Time. Philadelphia: Elijah Thomas, 1857. Volume I only of two. Illustrated by T. H. Mumford. Approximately 609 pages.
Condition: Original blind-stamped brown cloth boards with an old utilitarian light-colored cloth or paper spine repair. Boards are rubbed, faded, stained, and edge-worn. Front hinge is cracked and weakened, with exposed binding material and loosened preliminary leaves. The tissue guard and title page have extensive old tape or paper repairs. Scattered foxing, toning, staining, creasing, marginal tears, corner folds, and occasional manuscript markings throughout. Engraved portrait and numerous illustrations remain present and generally clear. Early ownership inscriptions on the front pastedown and title page. Volume I only; Volume II is not present.
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An original illustrated volume of John F. Watson’s Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, in the Olden Time, published in Philadelphia by Elijah Thomas in 1857.
This is Volume I of the expanded two-volume 1857 edition, one of the essential early histories of Philadelphia and colonial Pennsylvania. Watson compiled recollections, stories, and local traditions from elderly residents who remembered the city before the American Revolution, preserving details that might otherwise have disappeared.
The book explores Philadelphia from the period of William Penn through the early nineteenth century, including its streets, homes, churches, markets, taverns, libraries, public institutions, customs, prominent residents, and changing social life. It also contains material concerning the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania’s interior.
Among its most appealing features are numerous engraved views of historic Philadelphia, including:
- George Washington’s presidential residence on High Street
- Loxley’s House on South Second Street
- Early Philadelphia taverns and meeting places
- Colonial houses, churches, markets, and public buildings
- An engraved portrait of William Penn after the 1666 life portrait
Watson’s work remains especially valuable because many of the structures he described and illustrated were demolished shortly before or after publication. His Annals helped preserve the visual and anecdotal history of colonial and Revolutionary Philadelphia.
The volume has early Pennsylvania provenance. The front pastedown bears a manuscript ownership inscription dated May 4, 1859, from Spring Dell, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, apparently belonging to John Roberts. The same name appears on the title page.
Bibliographical details: John F. Watson, Annals of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, in the Olden Time. Philadelphia: Elijah Thomas, 1857. Volume I only of two. Illustrated by T. H. Mumford. Approximately 609 pages.
Condition: Original blind-stamped brown cloth boards with an old utilitarian light-colored cloth or paper spine repair. Boards are rubbed, faded, stained, and edge-worn. Front hinge is cracked and weakened, with exposed binding material and loosened preliminary leaves. The tissue guard and title page have extensive old tape or paper repairs. Scattered foxing, toning, staining, creasing, marginal tears, corner folds, and occasional manuscript markings throughout. Engraved portrait and numerous illustrations remain present and generally clear. Early ownership inscriptions on the front pastedown and title page. Volume I only; Volume II is not present.
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