Aphorisms on man, manners, principles & things
Portsmouth, [N.H.]: printed at the Oracle Office, 1810. First edition, 12mo, pp. xi, [2], 134-148; bound without, Physiognomy, a Poem, by Joseph Bartlett, Portsmouth: printed by William Treadwell, 1810, pp. 19, [1]; contemporary calf-backed marbled boards; last gathering extended; good and sound. It has been asumed by some, including me, that Physiognomy a Poem was issued with Aphorisms. The contemporary binding on this copy, with no evidence of any removal, belies that assumption. The book is dedicated "To all my enemies ... I now most humbly supplicate, that you would take this little volume into your malignant keeping, I pray you to oppose it, do all you can to destroy it ... don’t fear my anger or my vengeance, be inattentive to my mortification, and be regardless of my distress: I know your goodness, your friendship, and attachment, and rest assured that your most vigorous opposition and your most virulent slander will be duly appreciated and receive the proper acknowledgment..." American Imprints 19474; Sabin 3760. Item #55963
Price: $100.00
