1774 · London
by [Lee, Arthur
London: Printed for J. Almon, 1774. [2],63,[4]pp. Lacks the half title. 19th-century marbled wrappers. Front wrapper nearly detached. Small hole from ink burn in final (advertising) leaf, not affecting any text, otherwise very neat and fresh internally. Very good. In a half morocco and cloth folding case, spine gilt. First edition of this important tract from the pro-American Englishman, Arthur Lee, which, at various times, has also been attributed to William Pitt the Elder, Richard Glover, and Benjamin Franklin. The manuscript itself was reportedly sent by Franklin to Almon for publication. Lee advocates the rights of the colonists as common with those of other British subjects against the late impositions, and predicts dire consequences if those rights continue to be ignored. Lee followed up with a sequel the next year. HOWES L183. SABIN 39697. AMERICAN CONTROVERSY 74-44a. AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE 123a
(Inventory #: WRCAM44658)