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[POSTLETHWAYT, MALACHY?] The History of America . . . Translated from the French of Mons. Du Bosque.

NOT WHAT IT CLAIMS TO BE! [POSTLETHWAYT, MALACHY?] The History of America . . . Translated from the French of Mons. Du Bosque. 2 volumes. 8vo, early 1/2 calf, one corner restored; faint dampstaining affecting first few pages of each volume, trimmed tightly; signature of early owner on first title page. London, 1770

  • Notes: first edition thus. The title pages of this peculiar work assert that it is a new translation of a work by a prominent Frenchman, but ESTC states that it is really a revision of a 1757 treatise called "Britain''s Commercial Interest Explained and Improved" by English economist Malachy Postlethwayt. The contents are certainly a better match for the 1757 title--this is clearly a series of economic dissertations rather than a history, it describes the French and Indian War as "the present war" (I:384), and is clearly written by an Englishman. The author argues forcefully for fair treatment of the American Indians (I:302-325) and offers qualified opposition to the slave trade (II:153-159). Only 6 copies traced by ESTC. Howes D525; Sabin 21021.
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November 18, 2008 1:30 PM EST
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