[Burke, Edmund]

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

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

Todd 6a; Rothschild 518

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

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.