Almanach

1757 · réf. 3782 — Scarce 1758 Almanac with Great F&I War Content This almanac provides vivid insight into the impact of the French & Indian War on the American colonies. A fiery poetic narrative is carried through at the head of each monthly calendar page. For instance August's verse: "This Month alas! Proclaims a double Woe Both 'Swego and Lake George our Losses know; Fort William-Henry felt the fatal stroke From faithless Villains. Who their promise broke False to their Words our Men became their Prey; And do we yet a just Revenge delay." Following the calendar pages is a four-page "Continuation of the Historical Account of Affairs in North America…" which provides a summary of military actions from the loss of the fort at Oswego in August 1756 through "the last Day of August 1757 since which we can add no further Intelligence." Also of significance is a full page devoted to "A short discourse on Comets with some account of that which is expected to appear in the present year 1758." It references Dr. Halley's work and includes this nod to the progress of the science of astronomy: "If therefore this comet return according to this period in 1758 and there is the greatest reason to think it will astronomy will then have something new to boast of." Halley's comet as it is now known did indeed appear on Christmas night 1758. A rare almanac. RareBookHub notes only one listing: an auction in 1924 for which no price was given. ESTC identifies 3 institutional holders: AAS 2 copies NY Historical Society and the Huntington Library. References: ESTC: W36489. Evans: 7960. Drake Almanacs: 5712. Condition: String tied. Some mild staining and a bit of edge roughness. One closeable tear at the gutter of the first leaf. A strong impression throughout. Overall a very well-preserved example. ICN 7659. Printed and sold by J. Parker and W. Weyman, at the new-printing-office in Beaver-Street