Paul Revere
Boston, MA, ca. 1765
Paul Revere Engraving in 1766 Publication "An Astronomical Diary or Almanack"
Pamphlet/Booklet

A second edition of "An Astronomical Diary; or Almanack" for 1766, containing the first Paul Revere engraving to appear in an almanac. By Nathaniel Ames, Boston: Printed and sold by W. M'Alpine and J. Fleming, [1765]. Twelvemo, [56]pp. Revere's scarce woodcut engraving appears on p. 17, entitled a "Representation of the above Eclipse", and shows the positions of the moon, sun, and Earth during the solar eclipse of August 5, 1766, as part of four eclipses to have occurred during the year 1766. The pages are stitched together and have rough, chipped edges. Soiling, toning, and staining throughout. Some tears and creases to edges and corners. It appears that a few pages have been removed and other pages have sections cleanly clipped out. Notations made throughout in an unknown hand. A good copy.

A record of the engraving can be found in Revere's Day Book, under date of September 28, 1765, with the following charge: "Messr McAlpine & Fleming Dr / to Cutting 12 half figures at 2d / 0-2-0 / to Cutting a Leding Plate for the Eclipse of the Sun / 1-0-0" - Brigham.

This bound edition is one in a long series of almanacs published by the Ames family, begun by Dr. Nathaniel Ames in 1726. After his death in 1764, his son, also named Nathaniel Ames, took over writing the almanacs and continued until the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Ames lived as a successful doctor, ardent Anti-Federalist and local politician.

As a younger man, Paul Revere (1734 -1818) apprenticed as a silversmith, which provided him with connections to a wide cross-section of Boston society that would serve him well when he became active in the American Revolution. From 1765 on, in support of the dissident cause, he produced engravings and other artifacts with political themes. Among these engravings are a depiction of the arrival of British troops in 1768 (which he termed "an insolent parade") and a famous depiction of the March 1770 Boston Massacre.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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4.5" x 7"