[GODWIN, William].

The History of the Life of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham.

London, Kearsley, 1783. 8vo, pp. [xv], [1] errata, 302; slight staining to the outer margin of the title, some light dampstaining affecting the upper portion of the text of some gatherings, else a good copy, bound in contemporary calf, corners lightly bumped, spine ruled gilt, red morocco label, joints with short crack at head. Scarce first edition of Godwin’s first publication. The History of the Life of William Pitt signals Godwin’s transformation from a dissenting preacher into a man of letters. Having in 1782 left his disgruntled Suffolk congregation for a new life in London, Godwin turned to the Great Commoner (who had died some five years previously) for inspiration in his first literary endeavour. The resulting biography was published the following year, with a dedication to Pitt’s childhood friend and, later, Lord Chancellor, Charles Pratt.Rothschild 1015.

• GBP 2,000.00 > autres monnaies
• Commande nro.: H1215

• libraire: Bernard Quaritch Ltd. (GREAT BRITAIN)