The History of Great Britain from the Death of George II to the Coronation of George IV designed as a continuation of Hume and Smollett

Jones & Company, London, 1825. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Poor/No Jacket. 464 pages (complete). In general poor condition throughout. This is the first edition of what came to be a most popular book of a critical period of British history. The period between George II and the riotously extravagant, clamorous and near farcical coronation of George IV was critical to the development and survival of the monarchy but also of the development of modern constitutional monarchy and democracy. George II was the last king of Great Britain to be born abroad, the last monarch to lead his country into battle and the last monarch not to die in bed (he died on his closet stool/ toilet). George III's lengthy reign saw a massive transition from an autocratic monarchy to one further restrained and managed by parliament and the cabinet. The need for this during the Regency (during the periods of the King's madness) saw a further transition of private royal ownership to the state; the stalling of revolutionary voices; the loss of America but the development of a commercially led empire building; the controlling of royal finances; a movement towards scientific research and activity and the promotion of a stable country through political means. Written during the reign of George IV and his extravagance and lack of political and diplomatic intuity with the former reigns fresh in people's mind, this book could be termed as among the first of the people's history. Rebound enthusiastically if somewhat numbly in full leather, this copy is much marked, stained, worn. The contents are nonetheless very tight, clear, very accessible, and confident. Despite the damp stains and foxing the pages are healthy and venerable. fk. Our orders are shipped using tracked courier delivery services.