Observations Sur La Virginie
Date1786
Maker
Thomas Jefferson
(1743 - 1826)
OriginEurope, France, Paris
MediumFull leather binding; letterpress on laid paper
DimensionsOverall: 8 × 5 3/8 × 1 3/8in. (20.3 × 13.7 × 3.5cm)
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. Richard F. Barry, III, Mr. and Mrs. Macon F. Brock, Mr. and Mrs. David R. Goode, Mr. and Mrs. Conrad M. Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Johnson, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Moorman, IV, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard D. Roberts.
Object number2017-230
DescriptionTitle page reads: "OBSERVATIONS/ SUR/ LA VIRGINIE,/ Par M. J***./ TRADUITES DE L'ANGLOIS./ [signature of Gilbert Boucher]/ A PARIS,/ Chez BARROIS, l'aîné, Libraire, rue du/ Hurepoix, près le pont Saint-Michel./ 1786."
Label Text"Notes on the State of Virginia" is the only full-length book Thomas Jefferson published during his lifetime, and it greatly contributed to his widespread fame. The book covers a wide variety of topics, including natural features and resources, climate, the population (both indigenous and European), cities and institutions, laws, religion and customs, and commerce. In response to many requests for the book in France, Jefferson first published it privately in Paris. It was then translated into French for the first public edition, in which the accompanying map of Virginia first appeared.
Contains the following:
"A MAP of the country between ALBEMARLE SOUND, and LAKE ERIE, comprehending/ the whole of VIRGINIA, MARYLAND, DELAWARE, and PENSYLVANIA, with parts of/ several other of the United States of America. ----- Engraved for the Notes on Virginia."
