Santo Domingo - Haiti - Lot 676

Santo Domingo - Haiti RAINSFORD (Marcus) An historical account of the black empire of Hayti : comprehending a view of the principal transactions in the revolution of Saint Domingo ; with its antient and modern state. [London] Cundee, [1805]. In-4; illustrated with a frontispiece, a folding map of the island of Saint Domingue (the second map is missing), 8 plates hors texte and a facsimile of a document by Toussaint Louverture. Book damaged, many leaves soiled, foxing, some makeshift restorations to plates. ½ long-grain plum chagrin with filleted corners, spine with ornate nerves, gilt sailboat irons between caissons, rubbing and spotting, marbled edges. As is. First edition. A history of Haiti and Saint-Domingue by a British army officer, based in part on his personal experiences. He was convicted of espionage by the revolutionary government in 1799 and sentenced to death, but was personally pardoned by Toussaint Louverture, whom he describes as "a truly great man" (Sabin 67531). Also included: MASSÉ (Etienne Michel): L'isle de Cuba et la Havane, ou histoire, topographie, statistique, moeurs, usages, commerce et situation politique de cette colonie, d'après un journal écrit sur les lieux. Paris, Lebègue ; Audin, 1825. In-8. Freckles in places. ½ period fawn calf by G. Oginski (gilt at foot), ribbed spine, brown title-piece, head-cap torn off, small accident to head-cap at foot, jaws rubbed.