Translated antique book is latest Southeast Press release

Collecting odd, old items is something Bernie, Mo., resident Bob Keathley has done for a long time. In 1983, that interest in antiques led him to purchase a more than 200-year-old history text called "1700s in America," originally authored by German historian Christian Sprengel in 1783 for distribution at the 1784 World's Fair in Germany.

Now that old book is the newest title to be published by the Southeast Missouri State University Press.

"It was a pocket-size book," said Keathley. "But it seemed to be all there. But when you open it up, after about 75 pages, there was a little map of the United States."

After having it translated by a pair of Germans in St. Louis, Keathley took it to Dr. Frank Nickell, director of the Center for Regional History at Southeast, who channeled it to press director Dr. Susan Swartwout. After consulting a lawyer on copyright, the book was ready to publish.

"It's accessible to anyone who's interested in the founding of the country," said Swartwout. "I think it will be of great interest to patriotic people, especially."

The book features 18 copperplate engravings, with watercolors of two different American flags and uniforms worn at the time. It also has drawings of rare coins used in the 1700s and of busts of key players in the founding of America.

"1700s in America" is available at Amazon.com and the Southeast bookstore. All proceeds from the sales will funnel into a scholarship for teachers pursuing continuing education in Bernie.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, ext. 182