The history of Prince mirabel's Infancy, Rise and Disgrace: With the sudden Promotion of novicius.

In three parts. [10], 90, 80, 80pp. Disbound. Lightly browned. The first edition, issued in three separate parts at a shilling a piece, of an allegorical novel of manners (sometimes erroneously attributed to Defoe) satirising the political allegiance of John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough (1650-1722) ('Mirabel') and Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford (1661-1724) ('Novicius'). The latter, Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 1704 to 1708, pushed through the Union with Scotland, employing Daniel Defoe as his intelligence gatherer and propagandist. He had come to office through his alliance with Marlborough and Lord Treasurer Sidney Godolphin, and together they dominated the government of Queen Anne. Harley swiftly became Queen Anne’s favourite, however his attempts to surreptitiously influence her brought him into conflict with his two colleagues, who in February 1708 forced him to resign. ESTC T117519, T57355, T57356. Size: 8vo.