The Diary of the late George Bubb Dodington, Baron of Melcombe Regis: From March 8, 1748-9, to February 6, 1761. With an Appendix, containing some curious and interesting Papers; which are either referred to, or alluded to, in the Diary.

First Dublin edition. 12mo, xiv + 346 pp. Good tight copy on lightly-aged paper. In original worn tree calf binding, with remains of red label gilt on spine and no free endpapers. Subtitled 'Now first published from his Lordship's original manuscripts. By Henry Penruddocke Wyndham.' Wyndham had inherited Dodington's papers from a relative, whose will requested him 'not to print or publish any of them, but those that are proper to be made publick, and such only, as may, in some degree, do honour to his memory'. Considering that Dodington's 'political conduct' was 'wholly directed by the base motives of avarice, vanity, and selfishness', Wyndham justified the publication with the claim that the diary 'may reflect a considerable degree of honour on his Lordship's abilities' (Preface, pp. vii-viii). Armorial bookplate of Charles Bacon (motto: 'MEDIOCRIA FIRMA'). Pencil notes of Regency era books (Byron, Scott) on rear pastedown.