Books

First edition of this "concise and well-argued survey of the British economy from the protectionist and mercantile point of view, which stressed both London and population growth as dynamics for change and prosperity and which gained notice in the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions for 27 April 1674" (ODNB). Reynell (1636-1690) seems to have hoped the work would gain him public office, perhaps in the embryonic Board of Trade, but he remained an out-of-office Tory for the rest of his life. Even so, his writings were influential in the protectionist cause. With the bookplate dated 1702 of Sir John Percivale, Baronet of Burton in County Cork Ireland, to the title page verso; also with the late 19th/early 20th century bookplate of the Castle Freke library in County Cork to the front pastedown. ESTC R36784; Goldsmiths' 2065; Kress 1369; Sabin 70402; Wing R1215. Small octavo (165 x 103 mm). Contemporary sheep, rebacked in polished calf, triple blind-rule border to covers, spine ruled in blind and lettered in gilt, later endpapers, preserving earlier endpaper at rear. Complete with initial imprimatur and terminal advertisement leaves. Rubbed, endpapers split at hinges, some light browning, pp. 31/32 with spillburn affecting one letter on each page with new letter supplied, last few binder's blanks a little soiled and stained, very minor ink notation to rear endpapers and pastedown. A very good copy.