Casco Bay Auctions American Art & Antiques
Saturday, March 12th at 10 AM
147 main street, Freeport, Maine
cascobayauctions.com
207-370-4592
Preview: Wed, March 9 to Fri, March 11, 10 AM to 5 PM

FREEPORT, MAINE — Included in the offerings at Casco Bay’s March 12 auction will be a rare bound edition of the 1775 Pennsylvania Magazine, or American Monthly Museum. Published by Robert Aitken and edited from February 1775 to May 1776 by Thomas Paine, the Pennsylvania Magazine was the only publication in America during the revolution. The issues contain a variety of literary and philosophical essays, book reviews, scientific and technical articles and the latest news of events and military actions related to the conflict with Great Britain in Monthly Intelligence.

Robert Aitken (1735-1802), printer for the Continental Congress, founded the Pennsylvania Magazine at the start of 1775. The year proved to be one of the most consequential in American history, witnessing the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the appointment of George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Shortly after publishing the first issue, Aitken hired Thomas Paine (1737-1809) as its editor. Paine, a political theorist and activist, had emigrated from England with the help of Benjamin Franklin. Becoming a major contributor to the publication as well as editor, Paine used its pages to develop his thoughts on liberty, government and the situation of the colonies vis-à-vis Great Britain. His writings in the magazine led to the publication of Common Sense in 1776, one of the most influential pamphlets of the period, inspiring many to join the Revolutionary cause. In addition to political essays, the issues contain some of the most significant and earliest maps produced during the Revolutionary War. Under the leadership of Paine and Aitken, The Pennsylvania Magazine became the most successful and widely read periodical of its time in the colonies. The book has anestimate of $25/35,000.

For additional information, www.cascobayauctions.com or 207-370-4592

Limited seating will be available to bid live in our Freeport gallery, we also welcome phone, absentee and online bids. Online catalog available February 26th.
The Pennsylvania Magazine, 1775 complete run. Edited by Thomas Paine, printed by Robert Aitken.
Gorham Sterling