[Peacock, Thomas Love.]

unsigned gathering of two leaves with starred pagination inserted between D2 and D3 (containing "Caledonian War Whoop"), contemporary half calf, marbled boards, some slight browning, binding worn, upper hinge partially broken 

Jane Hickson, ownership signature on front endpaper; Sotheby's, 10 March 1952, lot 104, to Maggs; the bookseller and bibliographer Graham Pollard (1903-1976), his note on endpaper; given to his nephew David's wife Marilyn Butler, author of Peacock Displayed (1977)

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."

The rare first edition, limited to 100 copies, of the author's collection of satirical poems, written during the financial crisis of 1825-6, lampooning the dogmas of political economists and the malpractices of bankers. The edition was suppressed by Peacock until after the death of J.S. Mill, his immediate superior at the India Office, to avoid causing offence.

No copy is recored as having been sold at auction in the last 35 years.

"The 'Lyrics' shadow out...the symptoms of the epidemic in its various stages; the infallible nostrums, remedial and preventive, proposed by every variety of that arch class of quacks, who call themselves political economists...till the final patching up of the uncured malady by a series of false palliatives, which only nourished for another eruption the seeds of the original disease.."  (author, in his preface)