Cartwright, John | "Father of Reform" John Cartwright advocates for American Independence

Cartwright, John

American Independence the Interest and Glory of Great Britain; Containing Arguments, which prove, that not only in Taxation, but in Trade, Manufactures and Government, the Colonies are entitled to an entire Independency on the British legislature. Philadelphia: printed and sold by Robert Bell, 1776

8vo (210 x 126 mm). Half-title; light foxing. Antique-style three-quarter speckled calf over marbled boards, spine gilt, red morocco letting-piece; boards a bit scuffed. 

First American edition, following a London 1774 printing, of this important work by prominent British social reformer John Cartwright, then just beginning his career as an advocate of causes after earlier service in the Navy. Cartwright had some American experience, both as a naval officer in Newfoundland and as brother of Major George Cartwright, author of the well-known book on Labrador published a few years before this volume.

In this work Cartwright takes the extraordinary step of outright advocacy of American independence, a position he reached in advance of even the most radical members of the Continental Congress. Cartwright advocated a loose union between an independent America and Great Britain, which he held would be mutually advantageous to both countries. His views, not surprisingly, ruined his military career and drive him into full-time political endeavors. (Celebration of My Country) 

Notably, the present copy includes pages 121-125, which contain an "Extract from the Monthly Review," evidently added as an afterthought and absent from most copies. We can trace no other copy at auction — complete or otherwise — since 1981

REFERENCE

Celebration of My Country 61; Evans 14673; Howes C206, "aa"; Sabin 11153