Lot 17: [BURKE, EDMUND]

AN ESSAY TOWARDS AN ABRIDGEMENT OF THE ENGLISH HISTORY [DROP-HEAD TITLE]. .[LONDON: DODSLEY, 1757-1760].
Rare issue of proof sheets comprising signatures B-G, 4to (300 x 228mm.), later half morocco with marbled boards, spine lettered in gilt, marbled endpapers, some spotting, extremities slightly rubbed

Todd 6a; Rothschild 518

Henry Collins, bookplate; 5th Earl of Rosebery, armorial bookplate

Todd records in his bibliography of Burke that the author contracted with the firm of Dodsley for a work on English history in 1757 and was still working on it in 1762. The printers appear to have run off signatures B to G only in 1760 (although the British Library copy suggests a publication date of 1757). The present copy includes a note stating "This Fragment was written by Burke for Dodsley but discontinued on hearing of Hume's intention. A copy of it was sold at Isaac Reed's Sale for £2:15".

Burke's text would later appear in his collected Works covering a period ending in 1216. The present fragment extends only to 388. There are substantive differences in the two texts.

Todd records five copies: BL (with inscription by Charles Burney), Bodleian, Constitution Club in London and Yale University (with inscription by Edmond Malone). ESTC records four copies: BL, Trinity College Cambridge, Bodleian and University of Texas.