1796 · London
by Junius, [i.e. Philip Francis, attrib.]
London: printed by T. Bensley, for Vernon and Hood, 1796. 2 volumes, 8vo, pp. [2], xl, [4], 325; [2], 366; 2 inserted engraved title pages (dated 1797) plus 16 stipple-engraved portraits (moderately offset), contemporary full tree calf, red and green morocco labels on gilt-decorated spines; minor rubbing, but near fine throughout. "The secret of the authorship of these letters which puzzled the men of the last century still remains unsolved, and it may be added that with our present information it is practically insoluble" (Halkett & Laing III. 327), although current scholarship seems to suggest that they are the work of Sir Philip Francis (1740-1818). "The first of the letters of Junius appeared in Woodfall's Public Advertiser in London, Jan. 21, 1769. Further letters appeared irregularly until 21 Jan. 1772. The series attracted enough attention to make it profitable for various booksellers to bring out editions of the letters before the series was concluded. At least 16 of these unauthorized partial editions were published before the end of 1771. In addition, individual letters were published in other political collections" (NCBEL, II, 1178).
(Inventory #: 44756)