Joseph Barlett, 1799

BARTLETT, Joseph (1762-1827). Physiognomy, a Poem. Boston: John Russell, 1799.

Very rare first edition, untrimmed with contemporary marginalia, of a satirical poem delivered to the Harvard Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa society. Bartlett was a charismatic lawyer-adventurer who had been elected a member of Harvard's PBK chapter in 1782. Invited back to speak, he gave them what he calls in the dedication here "a delicious morceau for their malicious appetites." This copy is covered in contemporary marginalia and doodles, including the names of several of contemporary members of PBK. The text is very rare at auction, with only 3 copies recorded by RBH, all over over a century ago. Sabin 3760; Evans 35158.

Quarto (238 x 195mm). 16 pp. (some bifolia separating at fold, tears and chips at edges). Stab sewn as issued. Provenance: extensive marginalia, pen trials, and doodles in a variety of hands – Francis Baylies, 1783-1852, Massachusetts politician (two inscriptions, one dated 1801).