MYERS, Gustavus

The History of Tammany Hall [SIGNED]

New York: Published by the Author, 1901.

First Edition. Hardcover. Very good. Octavo. xxi, 357pp, bound in original purple cloth. Spine sunned to a tan color and lettering faded, a little fraying to head of spine and minor wear to boards; very good. Scarce first edition of a very early work by the self-educated Myers (1872-1942), who is best known for his History of Great American Fortunes (published in three volumes, starting in 1909). This copy is briefly inscribed by Myers to Samuel E. Mofett (1860-1908), who, like Myers in his early years, was a journalist in New York City. A favorable review of this book in the Journal of Political Economy (December, 1902), states that “this elaborate and scientific history of the world-renowned political organization, which for a century has controlled the justice and the taxing and franchise-giving power of New York City, was dramatically ushered into view as a bete noir among reputable publishers” due to fear of tangling with Tammany Hall. “Nothing in the pages of this record of venality,” continues the reviewer, “indicates more forcibly the nature and the power of the American political machine than the fact that history itself must suffer its censorship.”.

Item #24148

Price: $250.00