Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - July - 2008 Issue
Early and Exotic Imprints from William Reese
A very early liquor license from New York.
Item 70 is a rare, very early Texas imprint. It is a circular captioned Junta Gubernativa de la Provincia de Texas, announcing the dissolution of the previous government and the appointment of Colonel Luciano Garcia as Governor. It was printed in San Antonio in 1823 by, according to Eberstadt, a temporary provincial press in Texas, which was removed to Monterrey after printing just six items. Again according to Eberstadt, Garcia was accompanied to San Antonio by Stephen F. Austin. For Texas collectors, this is likely the earliest imprint you will be able to find. $12,500.
Item 180 is a major piece of Venezuelan history. It is a Manifesto almost certainly printed On April 20, 1810, by Gallagher and Lamb, Venezuela's first printers. It is an explanation of the coup which took place the day prior by Jose de las Llamosas and Martin Tovar Ponte. Napoleon had conquered Spain and forced the abdication of King Ferdinand VII. However, nations throughout Latin America were not keen about submitting to French rule. The coup was conducted by those nominally loyal to the deposed Spanish King. However, this decree repeatedly uses words such as "independent" and "independence," and the Latin American colonies would soon find themselves on the way to total independence from all European powers. $20,000.
You may reach the William Reese Company at 203-789-8081 or amorder@reeseco.com. The website is www.reeseco.com.
