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 Very Early and Rare 1798 Biography of Edmund Burke written by Robert Bisset the year after Burke's death

"The Life of Edmund Burke, Comprehending An Impartial Account of his Literary and Political Efforts, and a Sketch of the Conduct and Character of his most Eminent Associates, Coadjutors, and Opponents"

London, 1798,  George Cawthorn, 1st edition,  frontispiece engraving,  half title, xvi, 592 pages, by Robert Bisset.. This one volume biography of Edmund Burke published a year after his death is the first full biography of Burke and was followed by a later two volume biography by Bisset in 1800 that is far less rare as evidenced by the greater number available on the internet.

Below is a picture of the book opened to two pages on the start of the American Continental Congress which gives a good view of the condition of the text which is free of the foxing shown above on the frontpiece and title page.

Inside the front cover are two small  library labels, one a decorative label that says "BIB. SEM." and another rectangular label opposite that appears to be the indexing label with "BIB. MAI. HEYTHROP" at the top. The foxing and engraving shadow on the title page and engraving opposite appears to be the extent of the foxing, the rest of the pages are very clean. The text block is in nice condition as shown above. There is a crack along the spine, also shown above, but the boards are holding well.

A nice looking full leather book with gilt lettering of the title, attractive spine, and very early 1st edition biography of Burke by someone familiar with his reputation and works during Burke's life.

Price: SOLD