"This book is designed to be as complete a list as possible of the titles of the books and pamphlets that have been published upon American State, Country and Township history. It includes the titles of the books, pamphlets and reprints that have been published previous to January first, 1904." --Bradford, Preface

"When possible, the title [of each work] is verbatim. . . Following the title may be found such items of bibliographical interest as have been thought worthy of note. The prices for which each book has been sold are then given, with a description of its condition. . . .

• Books upon early territorial history and exploration have been included when containing information of historical importance ... It has been the aim to include as many as possible of the titles of the pamphlets, of historical sermons, of local events ... church history has been omitted, unless also especially devoted to town history. Books entirely devoted to genealogy, ... biography, ... and guide books are not included.... State gazetteers have been included.
• The final volume will consist of two indexes. One of short titles arranged alphabetically by authors, under the names of the states. The other of titles alphabetically arranged under subjects, localities, names of towns, &c., and reference in these indexes is in all cases to the number of the book in the author-title."
---Bradford, Preface