ROWSON, Mrs [Susanna Haswell] (1762-1824). The Inquisitor; or Invisible Rambler. Philadelphia: printed for Mathew Carey, 1794.

Rare: the second American edition of the intrepid Susanna Rowson's second novel, and probably the only obtainable edition. Rowson is best-known for writing Charlotte (see lot 187), widely considered America's first best-seller. Her first novel was Victoria, published in 1786.

The 1788 first edition of The Inquisitor, published in London, is not recorded at all in the auction records. The 1793 first American edition is most recently recorded as selling at Henkels in 1932; the most recent record for the second American edition is Parke-Bernet in 1945. The Inquisitor comprises sketches of English life in the 1780s, highlighting virtue against the evils of society. BAL 16983 (first American edition); Evans 27653; Wright 2252.

Three volumes in one, 12mo (173 x 100mm). Half title, three title pages (dedication and preface with small stain at margin, short tear to one leaf touching one word, and tiny marginal reinforcement; some short marginal tears and minor soiling/browning throughout). Original sheep, red leather spine label (spine and tips rubbed, a little loss at foot of spine). Provenance: Mary L. Gardiner (early ownership inscription to front pastedown).