Boswell, James, contrib. and editor.

12mo, first edition,  engraved frontispiece by J. Miller, contemporary half calf, decorated boards, red morocco label on the spine, red speckled edges, a near fine copy

Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, 1st Baronet (1714-1786), bookplate and signature ("Ja Colquhoun") on recto of frontispiece

Pottle 45; Rothschild 448

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

First edition of this collection edited by Boswell, part of his longstanding campaign on behalf of the Corsican insurgents seeking independence from the Genoese--his first important work had been An Account of Corsica, the Journal of a Tour to that Island, and Memoirs of Pascal Paoli, published the year before in 1768.  A few months after the present work appeared he made a spectacular appearance at a masked ball as an armed Corsican chief, and for many years was known by the designation "Corsica Boswell" (see Oxford DNB).

Most of the essays were reprinted from Journals. Pottle attributes nos. 1, 6 and 12 to Boswell; other possible contributors are Barlow Trecothick, Samuel Vaughan, Tom Cumming, Sir Alexander Dick, Sir John Cunninghame and Robert Keith.