2 vols., 8vo., Second Edition, on laid paper, two early nineteenth signatures on titles, later signature on blank preliminary of both volumes; handsomely bound in early nineteenth century full tree calf, sides with decorative floral frame border in gilt, backs gilt extra, second and fourth compartments with red and green leather labels lettered and tooled in gilt, all other compartments ruled with Greek key and floral rolls enclosing a gilt star device, doublures tooled in gilt and blind, a clean, crisp and most attractive copy. Dedicated to Warren Hastings, late Governor General of Bengal, Hamilton's first novel appeared in 1796 to considerable acclaim. It satirises society through the device of Oriental letters on the model of works by Montesquieu and Goldsmith, its theme being that women also can be both strong and able. The Preface, based partly on her brother's experiences in India, is both extensive and erudite. Elizabeth Hamilton (1758-1816), Irish novelist, essayist and poet. Born in Belfast, she moved as a child to Stirling, later to London, and finally to Edinburgh in 1804. She directed all her works to her own sex whose qualities of mind she admired and promoted. She was praised by Maria Edgeworth and, famously, by Jane Austen who was pleased that such 'a respectable writer' had read Sense and Sensibility. Block, p.96; Todd, p.147. See CBEL III, p.398.
