A HISTORY OF ENGLAND, IN A SERIES OF LETTERS FROM A NOBLEMAN TO HIS SON

Basil [Basel]: James Decker, 1800. First Swiss Edition. 210 x 127 mm. (8 1/2 x 5"). Two volumes..
Modern half calf over marbled paper boards by D&D Galleries (signed on the front pastedown), the spines with raised bands and gilt lettering on black morocco labels, edges sprinkled, new endpapers. Scott 119. Minor intermittent foxing, other trivial defects, but a pleasing copy with clean text in an attractive, unworn binding.

This is an attractive copy of the first Swiss edition of one of Oliver Goldsmith's most popular historical works. The friend of many of the celebrated literary figures of his time, Irish poet and journalist Goldsmith (1728-74) was known as a brilliant writer and a keen social observer--as well as a gambler and profligate who couldn't hold onto his money. As a result of the constant financial difficulties caused by his flawed character, he not infrequently turned for help to publisher John Newbery, whose off-and-on employment became part of a symbiotic relationship. The present book was an early work produced through this partnership, for which Newbery paid Goldsmith £21. First published in 1764, it was never released under Goldsmith's name. Instead, the "nobleman" was variously identified as Lord Chesterfield, Lord Orrery, and Lord Lyttelton. The book was immensely popular and remained so for over half a century, as this edition makes clear. Our 1800 edition includes additional letters, keeping the history up-to-date with events after the initial publication—notably, the American Revolution. This was the first Swiss edition, the second one to be published in continental Europe..