For sale is this unique one-of-a-kind piece of American history! Five volumes of handwritten diaries by merchant and newspaper owner Francis Wayland Waterbury of Saratoga Springs New York. Where do I start? These are five large hard leather bound volumes containing aprox 2,400 full pages of handwritten diary entries between the years of 1840-1857. Each book is completely full except for the fifth volume (about 5/8th full). Francis writes about his daily life, his family and the town he lives in. He waxes poetic on his philosophy, God, the church and life in general. Every page is full of amazing stuff. I haven't even cracked these really. Who knows what amazing stuff is inside here! There is absolutely so much to read.

These books are in excellent condition. Aside from age there is no water damage or foxing. Nice endsheets. Binding is strong. No mold. Ink is bright and legible.

Just an extremely rare set, a true one-of-a-kind.

Please see the photos (unfortunately only twelve allowed). Ask questions and if you are curious about the contents I amd happy to flip to a random page and send additional photos.

Shipping includes full insurance and signature confirmation.