Defoe, Daniel, and others

[Defoe, Daniel.] Atalantis Major. [Edinburgh:] Printed in Olreeky, the chief city of the north part of Atalantis Major. Anno mundi, 1711 [1710] [Moore 196], cut close at top margin, some staining; Reasons against the succession of the House of Hanover, with an enquiry how far the abdication of King James, supposing it to be legal, ought to affect the person of the Pretender. For J. Baker, 1713, variant with signature C reset [Moore 248], title page slightly torn; [?Defoe, Daniel.] Some account of the two nights court at Greenwich. Wherein may be seen the reason, rise and progress of the late unnatural Rebellion...for J. Baker, 1716--An argument against banishment: or the meeting of dissaffected [sic] persons abroad dangerous to a government. J. Baker, 1713, [on the Duke of Marlborough’s self-imposed exile, 1712-13], final leaf soiled--[Burnet, Gilbert.] The revolution and the present establishment vindicated. In a memorial drawn by King William’s special direction; intended to be given in at the Treaty of Reswick...for R. Burleigh, 1715--[Clement, Simon.] Remarks upon a late ingenious pamphlet, entituled, A short but thorough search into what may be the real cause of the present scarcity of our silver coin, &c... for S. Baker, 1718 [Kress 5451]--Some considerations on the consequences of the French settling colonies on the Mississippi, With respect to the Trade and Safety of the English Plantations in America and the West-Indies. For J. Roberts, 1720, with engraved folding map [Kress 3305;  Sabin, 86620]-- Letters and memorials which have lately passed between the ministers of the courts of Great-Britain, France, and Spain. Sam. Buckley, 1727 [Sabin 40576; Goldsmiths 6503]--Observations on the Conduct of Great Britain, with regard to the Negociations and other Transactions abroad. Edinburgh: Mr. Baskett and company, 1729 --The true state of England. Containing the particular duty, business and salary of every officer, civil and military In All the Publick Offices of Great Britain... For C. King and J. Stagg, 1729; and 9 others; chiefly 8vo, eighteenth-century quarter calf, marbled boards (spine numbered 39), slight wormhole to spine, binding slightly rubbed and worn (1)

The Forbes Baronetcy was created in 1626 for Sir William Forbes (d. circa 1650) by James VI in the Barontage of Nova Scotia. The majority of the works offered here were acquired by the sixth Baronet, also William (1739-1806), who added Pitsligo to his title in 1781. He was an eminent Scottish banker and benefactor, good friend of James Boswell and Samuel Johnson (see lots 45-46), and finally succeeded in recovering the Pitsligo estates forfeited after the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. His son William, the seventh baronet, beat Sir Walter Scott to the hand of the renowned beauty Williamina Belsches Stuart (1776-1810), and it was with their marriage that the family moved to her family seat, Fettercairn House in Kincardineshire, Aberdeenshire.

One of the sixth baronet’s acquisitions for his library at Pitsligo were numerous highly important miscellanies and tract volumes, many of which were purchased as a set from Edinburgh bookseller Elphinstone Balfour in October 1786. These were subsequently supplemented by further contemporary tracts and other works from the late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century. Most of these miscellanies bear a nineteenth century Forbes family bookplate.

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."