James Butler, 1797-98

BUTLER, James (1755-1842). Fortune's Foot-ball: or, the Adventures of Mercutio. Founded on Matters of Fact. Harrisburgh, PA: John Wyeth, 1797-8.

First edition of Butler's picaresque adventure novel of love and pirates, in a contemporary binding and very rare at auction. The author was an English schoolmaster living in Pennsylvania, and this is an early Harrisburg imprint. Although claiming to be "founded on matters of fact," the narrative is a globe-trotting romp for Mercutio, who is pressed into service in the British Navy during the American Revolution, taking him from London and the Iberian peninsula to Venice and even the harem of the Persian "Sophy"—all while engaging in a series of torrid love affairs. It contains a number of interesting reflections on the limitations on women's freedom. The last recorded copy at auction in RBH was at Bangs in 1898. Evans 31902 and 33481. See American Writers before 1800: a Biographical and Critical Dictionary, vol. 1 (1983), p. 252-253.

Two volumes, 12mo (166 x 103mm). (Some small marginal tears and chips, spots and dampstain to lower margin in vol 1; a few stains in vol 2.) Contemporary sheep with morocco title labels on spines (boards separating and losses to lower spine panel in vol 1, both volumes worn); modern chemise and slipcase. Provenance: volume 1: B. Leslie (inscription dated 1807 on flyleaf) – Hannah Ely (inscriptions on flyleaf and title) – John C. Ely (inscription on title); volume 2: George W. Harris, note of gift to – Belles Lettres Society of Dickinson College (bookplate).