December 2020 Auction Ends Thursday, December 10th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2020
John Adams signed copy of ''A Discourse, Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to the Higher Powers''. Boston: Hall & Goss, 1818. Signed ''John Adams'' on 15 November 1818 to Mary Sophia Quincy, the daughter of Josiah Quincy III, mayor of Boston and President of Harvard University, and a relation of Adams on his wife's side.
Written by minister Jonathan Mayhew who coined the phrase ''No taxation without representation,'' ''A Discourse'' was one of the central publications advocating for American independence from Great Britain. Originally published as a sermon in 1749 on the 100th anniversary of King Charles I's execution, Mayhew argues that recent revisionist history of Charles as martyr was misguided and that execution of the King was just if the monarchy infringed upon the essential liberties of its citizens. John Adams stated that Mayhew's sermon was ''read by everybody'' at the time America declared her independence; it was also called ''the morning gun of the Revolution,'' providing the moral rationale for armed resistance.
Inscribed in another hand on the title page, reading, ''Presented to Mary Sophia Quincy / Nov 15th 1818 by -'' after which Adams signs his name, ''John Adams'. Bound in three-quarter leather with gilt titling to spine. Measures 5'' x 8.5''. Some scuffing to leather, professional repair to boards, and foxing to signature page. Overall very good plus condition. One of the most important books underpinning the American Revolution, signed by one of its most important patriots.
John Adams Signed Copy of ''A Discourse'' -- The Powerful Pro-American Independence Book Called ''The Morning Gun of the Revolution''
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