Colonial America
Nathaniel Ames' Historic 1766 Boston Almanac with Paul Revere's "Eclipse" Printed Woodcut Engraving Illustration
1766-Dated (Printed in 1765) American Colonial Almanac of the Stamp Act period, 2nd Edition, published by Nathaniel Ames, Boston, 24 pages complete, containing an original Paul Revere Engraved Woodblock Printed Illustration of an "Eclipse" shown on page 17, Fine.
This original Colonial Almanac Imprint of 24 pages, measures 4.5" x 7" and is fully titled: "AN ASTRONOMICAL DIARY OR ALMANACK FOR THE YEAR OF OUR LORD CHRIST 1766... Boston: Printed and sold by the Printers and Booksellers." (Printed in 1765). including its rare Paul Revere Engraved Woodblock Print on page 17, of the position of the Sun, Moon and Earth during an eclipse. This is a well printed example of that rare Paul Revere Engraving (which also appeared in the 1st edition using this woodblock which was issued by a different printer).
This Paul Revere engraved woodblock cut shows the position of the Sun, Moon, and Earth during an eclipse. It is the earliest known Paul Revere Engraved Almanac Illustration. In this Colonial "Stamp Act" period historical Almanac, publisher Ames also writes of the "Distressed circumstances" of the people, noting the growing concern of the population over British policies. The front page has some ancient period made notations in the bottom selvage and a light water spot at center right. There is some expected use wear along the right edge yet overall, having minimal wear and is solidly intact, being above average for its age. This rare Colonial American Boston Almanac imprint is whole and complete. The "key" important Paul Revere "Eclipse" Engraving and is in overall nice condition. See: Brigham "Acc't of American Almanacs" page 198; F. Drake 3147; Evans 9896.
This Second Edition 1766 Almanac was published by Nathaniel Ames, son of Dr. Nathaniel Ames, who originally started the popular and highly regarded series of almanacs back in 1726. Ames continued writing the almanac after his father died in 1764, and continued until the beginning of the Revolutionary War. He was a successful doctor, ardent Anti-Federalist, and a local Boston, Massachusetts politician.