Venable's A School History of the United States (First Edition, 1872)

This is a remarkable first edition copy of 'A School History of the United States' by W.H. Venable, L.L.D., published on March 20, 1872. The volume is bound in a classic 19th-century reddish-brown or russet cloth over stiff boards, featuring intricate black-stamped decorative borders and an ornate central design incorporating the United States shield and diagonal title banners. The cover remains in pristine condition with sharp corners and minimal edge wear, which is exceptionally rare for instructional texts from this era. The internal pages are noted to contain handwritten family genealogy dating back to 1876, providing a significant secondary value as a primary historical document linking the book to its original post-Civil War era ownership. The construction reflects the robust industrial bookbinding typical of the late Victorian educational market, designed for durability yet aesthetically enriched with patriotic motifs. There are no visible signs of significant foxing, sun-fading, or structural failure in the hinges, suggesting the book was kept in a controlled, dark environment for over 150 years. This piece represents a high-quality example of early American pedagogical publishing and serves as a unique genealogical artifact.