John Hanson Our First President By Seymour Wemyss Smith
$200
Out of stock
Description
Scarce first edition of the controversial history which claims John Hanson was the real first president of the United States.
Smith, Seymour Wemyss. John Hanson Our First President. Brewer, Warren & Putnam : New York. 1932. First edition.
An unusual history book from an relatively forgotten period of American mythological revision, this biography of John Hanson posits that he was the United States’ first leader, not George Washington.
A Maryland plantation owner turned colonial delegate at the start of the American Revolution, Hanson proved to be an effective negotiator and legislator and signed the Articles of Confederation on the state’s behalf in 1781. Elected President of the Congress in November of the same year, before the US Constitution established the executive branch and current office of the presidency, there are some like the author Seymour Smith who cite his year in mostly ceremonial office as the first American presidential administration.
Like Washington, Hanson found his office a tedious duty, but Smith credits him as being one-half of an informal team that lead the United States through the revolution: Hanson in the halls of politics and Washington on the battlefield. Smith died the same year this book was published with his efforts for Hanson’s recognition largely fading with him.
8vo, 140pp, brown paper boards. Small stain to front board lower spine joint, scuffing to title plate edge. Spine and spine label darkened, top bruised. Small split at top spine joint with front board. Wear to back board bottom edge. Back top fore corner bumped. Book block darkened with some spotting. Pages toned but clean. Lacks dustjacket. Good condition.
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