Portsmouth: W. & D. Treadwell, 1804. First Edition thus. Leather over boards. Duodecimo. xxiv, [25]-400 pages.

Important first American "Improved" edition of Preston's influential Masonic treatise. This edition, edited by New Hampshire Grand Mason George Richards, is the first specifically adapted and tailored to American Freemasonry. Richards includes “valuable masonic addenda” and a complete list of lodges in the United States. Said lodges are listed by name or lodge number followed by their location--some of which are in the territories rather than the states (such as the listing for the Nova Cesarea Lodge, Cincinnati, North West Territory, U.S.). Also included is an Appendix devoted to funeral obsequies of the "illustrious Brother [George] Washington" by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts.

An important American Masonic item illustrating the transatlantic transmission of Masonic ritual and philosophy. Scarce in commerce.

Ref. Wolfstieg 1365.

Bound in full leather over boards with gilt-stamped tile on red leather spine label, gilt rules to spine. Contemporaneous owner name dated 1805 inked to top of front free endpaper, occasional mild foxing inside, light rubs to external extremities. Very good overall.

Item #1965

Price: $500