Books

First edition of this perceptive survey of the Restoration economy, outlining protectionist and mercantilist arguments. This copy is complete with the initial imprimatur and the terminal advertisement leaves. Carew Reynell (1636-1690), a Tory landowner, reflects on the products and performance of key English industries, as well as the deeply controversial issues of royal finance, colonial plantations, and commercial inventions. The work gained notice in the Royal Society's Philosophical Transactions for 27 April 1674. Provenance: Sir Richard Grosvenor (1689-1732), with his engraved bookplate to front pastedown and "Grosvenor" signature to title page. As an MP and landowner with interests in London property and Newmarket horse racing, Grosvenor's interest in Reynell's analysis is apparent. ESTC R36784; Goldsmiths' 2065; Kress 1369; Sabin 70402. Small octavo (154 x 99 mm), pp. [xxiv], 92, [4]. Contemporary mottled calf, rebacked with contemporary red morocco label laid down, spine with raised bands, edges marbled. Woodcut imprimatur and headpieces. Rubbing and pitting to covers, loss to label affecting text, minor browning and foxing to endpapers and content margins, lower margin of title page shaved but not touching text: a very good copy.