Pindar Peter Pseud for John Wolcot (1 results)

3 vols., strip torn from head of title-page of vol. ii without loss of text but removing a signature (the signature present on both other titles), minor dust-staining, pp. [i], 252; [i], 253-490, [1, Direction to the Binder]; [i], 252, 8vo, contemporary tree calf, rebacked, extremities worn, sound. This, the first American edition, is a scarce book, ESTC recording just 3 copies, 2 in the American Antiquarian Society and 1 in the Huntington. 'It would be a mistake to regard Wolcot's satires as signs of any fully-developed political philosophy. His friend Cyrus Redding observed that he"'could scarcely be called a politician. He did not trouble his head about foreign affairs" (Redding, Past Celebrities, 1.237). His dislike of social injustice drew him to democratic systems of government, but what fuelled his satire was personal animus against fools or rogues in high office. "Kings were his shuttlecocks", he told Redding (ibid., 1.264). When asked by a lady if he had been a good subject to George III, he is said to have replied "I do not know anything about that, Madam, but I do know the King has been a devilish good subject for me"' (Redding, Recollections, 1.258)' (ODNB). He is perhaps best remembered for his satires on Boswell, and the Royal Academicians. (ESTC W34129). …