The History Of The Rise, Progress, and Tendency of Patriotism. 1747 Rare 1st Edition

THE HISTORY OF THE RISE, PROGRESS, AND TENDENCY OF PATRIOTISM. 

Drawn from a close observation of the conduct of many of our late illustrious Patriots. With a curious dissertation on the diseases and cures of Patriots. Necessary to be read by all Freeholding and Voting families of all kinds.

By a Freeholder (Anonymous).

London: Printed for W. Owen, at Homer's-Head, near Temple-Bar, Fleet-Street. MDCCXLVII. (1747).

Author dedicated the book to the Right Honourable Philip, Earl of Chesterfield, Secretary of State, Knight of the most Noble Order of the Garter. Chesterfield’s most famous political stance was his critique of “false patriotism.” He argued that many politicians used the word patriot as a mask for ambition, factionalism, or personal gain. Loud declarations of national loyalty often hid self‑interest or demagoguery. Genuine patriotism required calm judgment, public virtue, and service to the nation’s long‑term interests, not emotional appeals or inflammatory rhetoric. In parliamentary speeches and essays, he warned that those who shouted most about patriotism were often the least trustworthy. His satirical definition of a “patriot” as a man who “hates his country’s enemies less than he hates his country’s government” became widely quoted. Chesterfield’s political conduct reflected his belief in measured, rational public service. As Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, he promoted religious tolerance, reduced corruption, and kept the peace without harsh repression—an approach he saw as patriotic because it served stability rather than partisanship. In the mid‑18th century, British politics was marked by fierce factional battles between Whigs, Tories, and splinter groups. Chesterfield’s critique of “patriot” factions—especially those led by William Pitt the Elder—was influential because it challenged the use of patriotism as a political weapon.

A very rare first edition 18th Century British Political Pamphlet. Institutions and Libraries around the world hold just a few copies, mostly digitally files of later reprints. 

Bound by HERING, 137 Regent Street. Charles Ernest Christian Hering of German origin was the famous bookbinder of London 34 St. Martins Street and bookbinder to King George III. His sons were Charles Price Hering, bookbinder 9 Newman Street, later 137 Regent Street (Hering & Remington); Robert Frederick Hering (1800-1869), architect; William Hering (1803-1876), MD surgeon, homeopath, surgeon to the Prince of Wales (who became George IV); Henry Hering (abt 1814-1893) bookbinder, portrait painter and photographer (Florence Nightingale, Bethlem Hospital), official Photographer to Queen Victoria. An accomplished family!

CONDITION:

Please view all listing photographs for the best understanding of condition. Quarter leather binding with marbled boards. Leather spine and boards corners rubbed, corners in particular. Edges of the boards a little chipped. Head and foot of the spine rubbed. Gilt bands and title on the spine dulled a little but still legible. Marbled boards surface worn, upper board has a patch of faint red staining. Small circle sticker at top left edge of upper board. Hinges/joints firm, surface rubbing only with no splitting. Paste downs and end papers marbled matching the boards, in good condition. Binders stamp on the verso top edge of front end paper, a couple of pencil numbers scribbled alongside it. Contents in remarkably good condition, good clean text. Pages age toned/yellowed. Mild spots of foxing dotted about. Title page has some disolouration at the top and bottom of the gutter. Pencil date handwritten along bottom edge. Page edges have a blue speckled pattern bringing together the marbled boards and paste downs/end pages. 

Overall the book remains in good reading condition. Some typical signs of age and wear but generally a nice firm little book. A very scarce edition!

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