Beschreibung:

Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies.
London: Printed for J. Almon, 1768. Octavo (7 ¾ x 4 ¾ inches, 195x120 mm). Later _ morocco gilt by Riviere & Son. Condition: Extremely light foxing to the title, lacks the half-title; binding lightly rubbed along the joints. Provenance : John Randolph of Roanoke, 1773-1833 (armorial bookplate on the front pastedown); Joseph M. Fox, 1853-1918 (monogram stamped in gilt on the upper cover). first english edition of the classic study on colonial rights. Written in response to the Townshend Acts, Dickinson argues that taxation for the sake of raising revenue violated the colonists’s rights to govern themselves. Dickinson, a member of the Continental Congress, first published his twelve letters in newspaper form, followed by 1768 editions in Philadelphia and New York. This First English edition was arranged by Benjamin Franklin and includes a Preface ascribed to him, though signed with initials N. N. “No offence to government is intended by it; and it is hoped none will be taken” ( Preface ). This copy from the library of John Randolph of Roanoke, a multi-term member of Congress from Virginia. Known for his anti-Federalist leanings, Dickinson’s arguments against the Crown no doubt resonated with his “Old Republican” break from the Jefferson's Democratic-Republican party. Adams, American Controversy 68-7b; Howes D329; Sabin 20044. [WITH:] A small engraved portrait of Dickinson after Du Simitiere loosely inserted. London: William Richardson 10 May 1783. Approximately 6x4 3/4 inches, 153x125 mm overall.