£180
8vo, pp. xxiv, 178 + frontispiece. Contemporary tree calf, spine divided by double gilt rules, red morocco label, other compartments tooled in gilt, edges pale yellow. A little scratched and rubbed, joints cracked but sound. Paper shelfmark label to foot of spine.
This second edition of the text in English was published the same year as the first, which was also the year it first appeared in print in French, despite having circulated in manuscript copies earlier. The preface suggests it was suppressed by Catherine The Great, who was desirous that the circumstances of her ascent to the throne be not widely known, alleging that both bribes of money and threats of imprisonment were used against its author. Although undoubtedly colourful, the seems in essence true, and is certainly the most plausible reason for the 35-year gap between composition and publication.
