Junius. Stat Nominis Umbra.

London:: Printed by T. Bensley, 1796-1797., 1796. Two volumes. 8vo. xl, [iv], 325; [iv], 366 pp. Engraved half-titles, 16 engraved plates, index. Twentieth century full navy blue straight-grained morocco, gilt rules, five raised bands with gilt compartments, a.e.g. for H. Sotheran & Co., London; a tad rubbed. Near fine. The TWO FORE-EDGE PAINTINGS by CLARE BOOKSBANK, signed. The scene on volume I is possibly a view of King George III and the House of Parliament; on volume II Westminster from the Thames River. The identity of Junius is open to question and debate, and may never be finally resolved unless documents are found which establish his identity. On the other hand scholars now generally support the identification with Sir Philip Francis. "The case for Philip Francis, first proposed by John Taylor in 1816, has established itself as by far the most probable, though categorical proof is still not forthcoming" (DNB). The Letters of Junius were the official letters that Junius collected, refined and published in 1772. The 16 engraved portrait plates depicting famous political figures: (8) Marquis of Granby, Duke of Grafton, Marquis of Rockingham, Judge Blackstone, Right Honorable James Grenville, Duke of Bedford, Sir William Draper, King George III; (8) Lord North, Lord Bute, John Horne Took, Earl of Chatham, John Wilkes, Right Honorable Edmund Burke, Earl of Mansfield, Earl Camden (8).