[Scottish Satire] Trial of the Rev. Alexander Fletcher, A.M. before the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Sense, and A Special Jury. By the Author of The "Trial of the Rev. Edward Irving, A. M." [Hand-Colored]

London: Printed for Knight and Lacey, Paternoster-Row, 1825. Quarter-Calf. Near Fine+. First edition of this anonymous tract, complete with both hand-colored aquatint caricatures (one the frontispiece). Demy 8vo (212 x 120mm): 8,111,[1],24pp, with aquatints attributed to Isaac and Robert Cruikshank. Recent cloth-backed marbled boards, upper board with grey paper label titled in ink manuscript, tan end papers (renewed), page edges marbled. In verse. Title page offset from frontispiece, final few leaves toned, both plates cut to top edge of image (other margins ample), but a crisp, clean copy, firmly bound. Widener Collection (Isaac, George, and Robert Cruikshank), p. 228. Abbey (Life) 296. Ascribed sometimes to John Galt, one of the jurors, probably erroneously. Satire about the infamous and scandalous trial of the Scottish Presbyterian Rev. Alexander Fletcher, for breach of promise to marry Miss Eliza Dick. A prior trial, in the court of King's bench, in 1824, was dismissed without a verdict. This second trial was held by an ecclesiastical court, the United Associate Presbytery of London, and by decision of that court Fletcher was suspended from exercise of his office and from church fellowship. The "special jury" consisted of twelve illustrious Scots, including Sir Walter Scott, who was elected foreman. (DNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).