A Letter Concerning Libels, Warrants, The Seizure of Papers, And...
An Important Argument for Freedom of the Press Inspired by the Wilkes Libel Case [Father of Candor]. [Almon, John (1735-1773), Attributed]. A Letter Concerning Libels, Warrants, The Seizure of Papers, And Sureties for the Peace of Behaviour; With a View to Some Late Proceedings, And the Defence of Them by the Majority. Enlarged and Improved. London: Printed for J. Almon, Opposite Burlington-House in Piccadilly, 1765. 112 pp. Lacking half-title. Publisher advertisement to verso of title page. Octavo (8" x 5-1/4"). Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent period-style quarter calf over marbled boards by Philip Dusel, raised bands and lettering piece to spine. Moderate toning to interior, somewhat heavier in places, light foxing to some leaves, light browning to title page. $450. * Fourth edition. Originally issued in 1764 after John Wilkes fled to Europe after his condemnation by Parliament for seditious libel in 1764, this pamphlet contains one of the most famous defenses of freedom of the press. Notable for emphasizing the distinction between words and deeds, it anticipated Erskine's unsuccessful defense of Thomas Paine, who was charged with seditious libel after the publication of his Rights of Man (1791). This pamphlet had five editions: the first two and a Dublin reprint in 1764, the other three in 1765. English Short-Title Catalogue T87692.
Price: $450.00
Book number 72501