J. BEW, publisher The Noble Cricketers: A poetical and familar epistle, address'd to two of the idlest Lords in His Majesty's three Kingdoms London: J. Bew, 1778. 4to. (10¼ x 7½in; 264 x 194mm), with errata slip pasted onto verso of dedication (title and verso of G1 lightly soiled, occasional spotting, B2 torn across and repaired, G1 with repaired tear at inner margin), early 20th-century half calf and marbled boards. Provenance : F.S. Ashley-Cooper (Eagar Catalogue note) -- MCC Library (pasted over bookplate, with note of purchase by Eagar, dated 7 December 1966). FIRST EDITION of this fierce verse satire againt the Duke of Dorset and Earl of Tankerville. The two nobles are accused of neglecting their role as statesmen and ignoring the disasterous war against the rebel colonies in America in preference for "the low sordid fame" of a cricketer. In his facetious dedication, the anonymous poet claims to have deferred publication in the hope of their reform. But, having been "inform'd that you have got a fresh cargo of bats and balls, and that Lumpy, Small, Horselfesh ... are order's to prepare their shins for another fresh campaign," he can refrain from criticism no longer. OF GREAT RARITY. Although two copies remain in the MCC Library, the English Short Title Catalogue only locates two copies elsewhere in the British Isles and North America (BL and Bodleian). Allen 6; Goldman p. 143: "very rare"; Taylor p. 73 (misdated 1779); Padwick 6888.
J. BEW, publisher The Noble Cricketers: A poetical and familar epistle, address'd to two of the idlest Lords in His Majesty's three Kingdoms London: J. Bew, 1778. 4to. (10¼ x 7½in; 264 x 194mm), with errata slip pasted onto verso of dedication (title and verso of G1 lightly soiled, occasional spotting, B2 torn across and repaired, G1 with repaired tear at inner margin), early 20th-century half calf and marbled boards. Provenance : F.S. Ashley-Cooper (Eagar Catalogue note) -- MCC Library (pasted over bookplate, with note of purchase by Eagar, dated 7 December 1966). FIRST EDITION of this fierce verse satire againt the Duke of Dorset and Earl of Tankerville. The two nobles are accused of neglecting their role as statesmen and ignoring the disasterous war against the rebel colonies in America in preference for "the low sordid fame" of a cricketer. In his facetious dedication, the anonymous poet claims to have deferred publication in the hope of their reform. But, having been "inform'd that you have got a fresh cargo of bats and balls, and that Lumpy, Small, Horselfesh ... are order's to prepare their shins for another fresh campaign," he can refrain from criticism no longer. OF GREAT RARITY. Although two copies remain in the MCC Library, the English Short Title Catalogue only locates two copies elsewhere in the British Isles and North America (BL and Bodleian). Allen 6; Goldman p. 143: "very rare"; Taylor p. 73 (misdated 1779); Padwick 6888.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
