Observations on the Act of Parliament, Commonly called the Boston Port-Bill; With Thoughts on Civil Society and Standing Armies.
London: Edward and Charles Dilly, 1774.
[2], 80 pages. Slim 8vo, newer 1/2 calf and marbled boards (spine lightly sunned; trace of foxing to several pages, otherwise fine). Boston: Printed. London: Re-printed for Edward and Charles Dilly, 1774. Third Edition.
First British edition after the first edition printed in Boston the same year. The Boston Port Bill was the British response to the Boston Tea Party of 1773. After its enactment, the British Navy blockaded Boston harbor causing economic hardship. The blockade increased the call among the colonists for American Independence. Josiah Quincy was a Boston patriot and lawyer. He had defended, along with John Adams, the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. In this work, Quincy "...presented the case against the bill with great ability and set forth the theories that were the basis of his criticism." Dictionary of American Biography XV, p. 308. Howes Q-18. Adams, American Independence 132c. Sabin 67192.
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Near Fine
Edition: Third
Language: English
Price: $12,500.00
Item #162385