[Item #48135] A Discourse on the State and Prospects of American Literature; Delivered at Schenectady, July 24th, 1821, Before the New-York Alpha of the Phi-Beta-Kappa Society. Samuel L. MITCHILL.

A Discourse on the State and Prospects of American Literature; Delivered at Schenectady, July 24th, 1821, Before the New-York Alpha of the Phi-Beta-Kappa Society

Albany: Websters and Skinners, 1821. First Edition. Octavo (ca. 21cm.); disbound; 36pp. Rear leaf of text (serving as rear wrapper) rather heavily foxed and slightly chipped along extremities, else Good to Very Good overall.

Address delivered by the American medical doctor and man of letters Samuel L. Mitchill (1734-1831), describing the literary achievements of the country by state, as well as endorsing the projected compilation of a dictionary of the American language. Despite Mitchill's prolific and storied career, "His investigations resulted in no epoch-making discoveries, his theories were often erroneous" (DAB, Vol. XIII, p. 71). SHOEMAKER 6087.

Price: $150.00

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