The Columbiad a Poem. [Robert Fulton Association Copy; Likely Given to Fulton’s Quaker Friend, Patron, and Portrait Sitter, Joseph Bringhurst, Jr].

An important Robert Fulton association copy, an 1809 book given by Robert Fulton to his Quaker friend, patron, and portrait sitter, Joseph Bringhurst, Jr.

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An important association copy presented by Robert Fulton to his close Quaker friend and patron, Joseph Bringhurst, Jr.

Joel Barlow’s The Columbiad is an epic poem on the history of America, expanded from his earlier “Vision of Columbus” and first published in 1807. The poem was dedicated to Barlow’s close friend, the engineer and inventor Robert Fulton, who financed its publication—one of the most expensive American books of its day. Fulton’s portrait of Barlow served as the model for the frontispiece of the first edition, and Fulton’s own sketches and designs inspired its eleven engraved illustrations.

At the head of both title pages in this 1809 third edition appears the inscription: “From my friend Robt. Fulton, 2 Mo. 18th 1809,” written in the Quaker style. Beneath this is a palimpsest, legible as the name “J. Bringhurst,” indicating that Fulton presented this copy to Bringhurst and that Bringhurst later recorded the gift. Joseph Bringhurst, Jr. (1767–1834) was a prominent Philadelphia Quaker and an early patron of Fulton, who painted Bringhurst’s portrait in 1786. The inscriptions firmly link this copy to their personal and professional relationship.

Barlow’s lavish 1807 dedication to Fulton, crediting him with personally funding the costly engravings, was omitted from this 1809 edition. The expensive quarto first edition sold poorly, prompting the more modest, unillustrated editions of 1808 and 1809, including the present set.

A strong and well-documented association copy, connecting one of the early republic’s major poetic works to its dedicatee and illustrator, the inventor-artist Robert Fulton, and to his Quaker friend, patron, and portrait sitter, Joseph Bringhurst, Jr.

Price: $450.00