The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion, or a Faithful History of Remarkable Occurrences in the Captivity and Deliverance of Mr. John Williams

Rev. Williams was among those captured in an Indian raid on Deerfield, Massachusetts Bay Colony, Feb. 29, 1703/4. Upon his return, he wrote an autobiographical account of his captivity and return which went through eight printings over the next century (though Dickson labels this ninth printing as the "6th Edition, with Additions"). Although most of the content here was taken from earlier Boston printings, Dickman added Taylor's chronology in his earlier 1793 "Fourth" edition and Taylor's new "Historical Sketch of Deerfield" is first published here. Besides Williams' account (pp. 1-125), this printing includes five additions: 1) A sermon Williams preached at Boston in 1706 upon his return (pp. 127-148); 2) An appendix by Williams' son Stephen who was also captured, recording the names of those taken, those killed in the raid and a chronology of "this mischief done by the enemy in Deerfield, from the beginning of its settlement to the death of" his father in 1729 (pp. 149-158); 3) An appendix sent to the publisher by Rev. John Taylor of Deerfield who continues the chronology of the "mischief done by the enemy, in Deerfield" from 1729 "to the conclusion of the last French War" (pp. 159-197) as well as his new "Historical Sketch of Deerfield" (pp. 197-220); 4) "Some Observations" by Rev. T[homas] Prince of the Old South Church in Boston, originally published in the 3rd edition providing some biographical information about John Williams (pp. 220-224) and 5) "A Sermon delivered in the first parish in Springfield, on the 16th of October, 1775 just one hundred years from the burning of the town by the Indians" (with the running head of "A Century Sermon") preached by Rev. Robert Beck of Springfield (225-248). Note that the date on the title page is 1800 but Taylor's note about his appendix is dated as Jan. 1st, 1802 (p. 198). Sabin lists the publication date as "MDCCC [i.e., 1802]" based upon Taylor's date (Vol. 28, p. 424). The original owner's inscription is on the front free end paper: "Neh Randalls Property Bought August 25th 1805 at Worthington (Mass)" At the bottom is a more recent ownership inscription in purple pencil: "Fred from Ralph" and what appears to be "O K, Eva." On the inside front cover is an oval stamp: "Private Library of F. G. Simpson No." with the number 5 written in. Size: 16 mo (6-7"). 248 pages. Item Type: Book. The front end paper is split at the gutter, exposing the cords, but the binding is tight. The pages are tanned from age but unmarked. Hardcover bound in leather over boards with red morocco title panel marked "REDEEM'D CAPTIVE" in gilt. Corners are bowed with three worn through to the boards. The leather has lost its finish along the top edges and head and foot and along the hinges of the spine. There is light foxing scattered throughout and a tide mark in the top quarter of the rear free end papers and last two leaves of the text. Quantity Available: 1. Category: Antiquarian & Rare; United States; 19th century; Biography & Autobiography. Main Picture: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Front cover and spine. Picture 2: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Rear cover and page edges. Picture 3: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Original owner's inscription from 1805; Title page. Picture 4: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - First page of text. Picture 5: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Title page for Williams' sermon. Picture 6: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - First page for Stephen Williams' appendix. Picture 7: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - First page for John Taylor's appendices. Picture 8: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Taylor's note dated 1802 starting his second appendix. Picture 9: Williams ([1802]), The Redeemed Captive Returning to Zion - Title page for Breck's "Century Sermon". Pict.…