A VIEW OF THE CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; IN THIRTEEN DISCOURSES.
London: 1797. Modern calf, gilt-lettered spine title. [6], [i]-cxiv, [1 errata], [1 blank], [1]-596 pp. Near Fine.
A significant Loyalist perspective on the Revolution by a man who came to Virginia in 1754 as a youth and lived there until 1775, when he returned to England. Boucher, who became an Anglican priest, was a school-master for some of his sojourn here, and educated George Washington's stepson. He became close to Washington, often dining at his table. Obviously Boucher retained his affection for him despite their disagreements: he dedicated this book to Washington, "as a tender of renewed amity."
Boucher gives thumbs down to prior works on the Revolution, as well as to the developing American society, quoting approvingly a critic's complaint, "What has America to boast of? What are the graces, or the virtues, that distinguish its inhabitants? Inglorious soldiers, yet seditious citizens!" He writes on the Peace of 1763, American education, civil liberty, and other matters reflecting his dyspeptic view of America.
FIRST EDITION. Howes B641aa. Sabin 6839. Swem 501. Item #38689
Price: $1,500.00