Description

[000030] Junius [Francis, Sir Philip?], Junius – Stat Nominis Umbra, T. Bensley for Vernor and Hood, London, 1796, Reprint, Good+. Full Morocco, 8vo. Two volumes complete – Volume One – xl, 325pp, [1] and Volume Two – [4], 366pp.

Later full straight grain morocco, raised bands, spines in six panels, author in gilt to second panel, volume number to third, and date to foot with single fillet frame, remaining panels framed with double fillet, covers with double fillet panel with fleurons to corners, with double fillet border, gilt roll to edges and inner edges, a.e.g., marbled endpapers.

Spines very slightly faded, rubbed to spine ends and corners, light scuff to foot of upper cover of volume two. Internally some light off setting from engraved portraits, but generally quite bright and clean.

With sixteen engraved portraits (as called for), additional engraved titles, with the bookplate of Viscount Birkenhead (F.E. Smith) to front pastedowns.

Variously attributed, the authorship of the Junius letters has been the subject of innumerable publications of various merit. The case for Philip Francis, first proposed by John Taylor in 1816, has established itself as by far the most probable, though categorical proof is still not forthcoming” (ODNB)

Cordasco 78