American Revolutionary War Seven Part "The History of Charlestown" by Richard Frothingham, 1845-1849

Richard Frothingham

Archive

Frothingham, Richard. The History of Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1845 to 1849, a serialized local history that documents one of the central sites of the American Revolution, including the Battle of Bunker Hill, while preserving early civic records, family materials, and community memory in print. Written by Richard Frothingham, a historian, politician, and later mayor of Charlestown, the work draws on local archives and contributions from residents, reflecting a mid nineteenth century effort to collect and formalize Revolutionary era history at the municipal level. Issued in parts over several years, the publication captures an ongoing process of historical accumulation, as Frothingham actively solicited manuscripts and documents from the community to expand and refine the narrative.

Frothingham, Richard. The History of Charlestown, Massachusetts. Charlestown: Charles P. Emmons; Charles C. Little and James Brown, 1845 to 1849. First edition, issued in seven parts in original printed wrappers. Octavo. The work was initially conceived as a series of communications for the Bunker Hill Aurora, later expanded into a more comprehensive publication format. Each part bears the printed statement “The History of a Town is United with that of Country to which it belongs, and with that of the Ages through which it has Stood,” emphasizing the integration of local and national history. The text includes engravings, facsimiles of documents, and maps produced on steel, wood, and stone, illustrating sites, records, and historical materials associated with Charlestown and its role in the Revolutionary period. This set retains the original part issue format, with all seven numbers present, each bearing the ownership signature of Benjamin Edmands of Charlestown.

Issued during a period of expanding interest in Revolutionary commemoration and historical preservation, Frothingham’s work contributes to the broader nineteenth century project of constructing American national identity through localized historical study. By publishing in parts and encouraging public participation, the project reflects an early collaborative model of historical documentation, linking private family archives to public historical narrative. The focus on Charlestown situates the work within the geography of Revolutionary conflict, particularly the events surrounding Bunker Hill, and underscores the importance of municipal histories in shaping collective memory. Wrappers show partial separation along spines with paper spine largely absent on most parts; interiors clean and stable with strong impressions. Overall very good condition.

Item #17659

Price: $980.00