first edition Frontispieces engraved by William Kneass. 2 vols. 8vo
1806 · Philadelphia
by Tooke, John Horne
Philadelphia: Printed by Wm. Duane [Wm. Duane & Son, Printers], 1806. First American edition from the Second London edition. The first volume had been published in 1786 with the second appearing (with the second edition of the first volume) in 1805. Frontispieces engraved by William Kneass. 2 vols. 8vo. Full polished contemporary American tree calf. Fine. First American edition from the Second London edition. The first volume had been published in 1786 with the second appearing (with the second edition of the first volume) in 1805. Frontispieces engraved by William Kneass. 2 vols. 8vo. Theories of Grammar. Tooke's philogical work which established his reputation in that field as apart from his better known involvement in politics. Horne Tooke's work emphasized the need to study Gothic and Anglo-Saxon and contains his theories on grammar. This work devolved from a question which arose at his trial concerning "whether the words 'She knowing that Crooke had been indicted, did so and so,' must be taken as an averment that Crooke had been indicted." Horne Tooke argued that the phrase "was equivalent to the two propositions. 'Crooke had been indicted,''' She knowing that, did so and so.'" This argument led to theories about the grammar of prepositions and conjunctions. He published a pamphlet on the subject and later this more extensive work. At the end of the second volume is a notation from the publisher "that the author proposes to publish a third part of this invaluable work: ... As soon as it shall be published, that part also will be re-printed by the publisher of this edition; who also contemplates, should he be encouraged, to publish a memoir of J. H. Tooke; which will not however, be attempted without his own sanction, fairly obtained." This volume was never completed and in his last illness he burned all his papers and notes. Shaw and Shoemaker 11462
(Inventory #: 303487)