"The Life of George Washington" by Chief Justice John Marshall, Volumes 1-4, published in Philadelphia by C. P. Wayne, 1804-1805.

This set is missing volume 5, along with the engraved frontispiece portrait of Washington which appeared in volume 1. Otherwise, considering their rarity and age, they are in pretty good overall condition. The hard bound calf skin covers are worn but the spines are firm and strong. The pages are foxed and toned but very legible. I have priced the set accordingly. If all 5 volumes were offered, the price would be closer to $3,000 to $4,000. HISTORICAL NOTE: Shortly after Marshall became Chief Justice he was approached by Washington's nephew, Bushrod, to write the first President's official biography. Probably no man was better suited to the task. As a personal friend of Washington, Marshall had been the one to announce the President's death in 1799, had offerd the eulogy, had chaired the committee that arranged the funeral rites, and had led the commission to plan a monument in the capital city. As to the books themselves, volume 1 contains 488 pages with 45 pages of notes. volume 2 has 560 pages with 72 pages of notes. Volume 3 has 580 pages and 28 pages of notes. and lastly, volume 4 has 626 pages with 16 pages of notes. NOT ONE PAGE IS MISSING other than the frontispiece mentioned above. This set is a must for any Washington buff.