Bibliography of the State of Ohio. Being a Catalogue of the Books and Pamphlets relating to the History of the State. With Collations and Biographical and Critical Notes, together with the Prices at which many of the books have been sold at the Principal Public and Private Sales since 1860

Description:

First edition, Scarce. Peter G. Thomson (1851-1931) was first a book seller and publisher in Cincinnati. Later he became an industrialist, founding The Champion Coated Paper Company, building a considerable fortune. This landmark work, the fourth state bibliography published in America, was part of an emerging trend in the 19th century to systematically document regional histories. It provides an exhaustive catalogue documenting Ohio's publishing history from the early exploration period through 1880. A keen book collector he assembled a large collection of books and pamphlets relating to the state of Ohio and the Northwest Territory. In addition, the Preface states that Thomson spent eight years compiling this work, 'visiting nearly every public and private library where such works were likely to be found … The result is a collection of upwards of Fourteen Hundred distinct titles relating almost wholly to the History of the State and parts thereof'…. Printed from the Press of Peter G. Thomson the work has a fine chromolithographic title page, (partly printed in gold) decorative head and tail pieces and drop capitals printed in red, to each chapter, showcasing the artistry of Thomson's printing press. It stands as a fine example of the Gilded Age's aesthetic and technological achievements in bookmaking.

His house Laurel Court, in Cincinnati, Ohio is considered one of America's best surviving examples of the opulent homes built during the 'Gilded Age'.

Condition

4to, rebound in later brown buckram, gilt title to spine. Minor browning to page edges; small marginal tear to title page, neatly repaired. Withdrawn from an institutional library with a few neat ink stamps. Good.