Jonathan Swift

The second collected and first London edition of The Hibernian Patriot by Jonathan Swift.

• Jonathan Swift (Irish).
• The Hibernian Patriot: Being a Collection of Drapier's Letters to the People of Ireland, Concerning Mr. Wood's Brass Half-Pence. Together with Considerations on the Attempts made to pass that Coin. And Reasons for the People of Ireland's refusing it. To which are added, Poems and Songs relating to that same Subject.
• Printed at Dublin; London: Reprinted and Sold by A. Moor, 1730.
• (iv) 264 pages.
• Bound in contemporary full speckled calf over cords, covers ruled in gilt, neatly rebacked, gilt lettered black morocco spine label, speckled edges.

Known as the "Drapier's Letters" and first published individually in 1724 and collectively in 1725 as Fraud detected; or, the Hibernian Patriot, these pamphlets were written by Swift after William Wood was granted the patent to mint copper coinage for Ireland which was believed by Swift to be of inferior quality. Through the letters he gained public support, resulting in a nationwide boycott and the withdrawal of the patent. Harding the printer was arrested but Swift's opposition to British control earned him acclaim throughout Ireland.