History of the People Called Quakers: From Their First Rise to the Present Time. Compiled from Authentic Records, and from the Writings of that People. Volumes I-IV 4 volumes. 8vo - 1790

Dublin: Printed by Robert Jackson, Meath-Street, 1790. 4 volumes. 8vo. (8 x 4 3/4 inches). Second edition. 542 pp. 557 pp. 526 pp. 573 pp. Contemporary full tree calf, spine ruled gilt into six compartments with gilt-lettered red morocco label in second Comprehensive early history of the Quakers, a central religious and political group in colonial America. This well-known history of the Quakers gives a full, clear, and accurate portrayal of the history of the Friends. It added valuable information to what had already been recorded in Sewel's History, and extended the history of the Quaker people up to 1764. Written by a blind researcher, natural philosopher, and schoolmaster, Gough's history is a encyclopedic compilation of texts presenting the history of the founding of the Society of Friends. There are several references to the Friends in America in each volume. Gough was born of notable Quaker stock. As an adult Gough became the master of boarding schools in Cork, Dublin, and Lisburn, but was also very active in the work of the ministry, both preaching and writing for the advancement of the gospel. In 1782, when sixty-one years of age, he commenced the present four-volume work, which he devoted eight years to completing. ESTC T102429. Smith I, 857.