An Essay on the Best System of Liberal Education, Adapted to the Genius of the Government of the United States. Comprehending also, an uniform, general plan for instituting and conducting public schools, in this country, on principles of the most extensive utility. To which is prefixed, an Address to the Legislature of Maryland on that Subject....
Baltimore: Printed by Warner & Hanna, 1799. First edition of a scarce book, and one seriously studied by our Founding Fathers. Washington was on the original subscriber list, and Jefferson appointed Knox to be the first faculty member of the University of Virginia. Joints cracking, but sound. Piece missing at head of spine. Text browned, as usual, part of top margin cropped away on front free endpaper and "To the Critics" page, presumably to obliterate a name. A good, clean copy of a scarce book. Contemporary mottled sheep, gilt-ruled spine with red leather label. Octavo, in fours. 173 pp. Item #16039
From the early days of the United States government, it was recognized by many that a good basic education for every man would strengthen the constitutional republic that had just been established. Several prominent leaders argued that the new government should adopt a national system of education. Foremost among them was George Washington. In his first State of the Union address, delivered on January 8, 1790, at Federal Hall in New York City, he gave his recommendation for a national university.
This has become a very scarce book on the market. ESTC lists about twenty copies in America, but virtually every one of them is in a long-established library, east of the Mississippi. American Book Prices Current records only one copy at auction in the last thirty-five years. Evans 35690.
Price: $1,250.00