THE CONVICT'S ADDRESS TO HIS UNHAPPY BRETHREN. Delivered in the chapel of Newgate, on Friday, June 6, 1777.

[JOHNSON, Samuel.]

Editore: London: printed for G. Kearsly at no. 46 in Fleet-Street, 1777

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8vo in fours, pp. 24; a fine copy, bound sixth in a volume with seven other accounts of trials or dying words and last confessions (see below); in contemporary sheep, soundly rebacked, with gilt morocco label. First edition of a rare book by Johnson. The story of the fashionable preacher William Dodd, who forged a bond using the name of Lord Chesterfield, was discovered and condemned to death, is well known. Johnson was persuaded by his friend's situation to give a remarkable amount of assistance in pleading for clemency (he wrote some eight pieces in all). This sermon, preached to Dodd's fellow prisoners some three weeks before his death, was almost entirely Johnson's work: he marked Boswell's copy with the very few additions made by Dodd. According to Liebert, there are several states of this book, without known priority: this is the one with a small crown at the end of the text. The book was issued on Thursday 19 June, and at least one contemporary review identified Johnson as the author. The 'second edition', which is partly a reissue of the first, was published a week later: it adds a half sheet (D1-2), and changes the title page and final leaf of the original printing: it is far more commonly met with. There were also dozens of pirated editions in Edinburgh, Newcastle, Dublin, Gainsborough and elsewhere. It has been noted that this was probably the work by Johnson that was most reprinted in his lifetime. Fleeman p. 1297 (not noting any different states at all); Courtney & Nichol Smith p. 128 (not actually describing the first or second editions); Chapman & Hazen p. 153; Liebert 98. Bound in the same volume are the following contemporary accounts of trials, crimes and penitence: 1. [Sackville, Lord George.] The proceedings of a general court-martial held at the Horse-Guards on Friday the 7th, and continued by several adjournments to Monday the 24th of March 1760 … upon the trial of Lord George Sackville … London: printed for A. Millar, in the Strand. 1760. 8vo, pp. 224. Lord George was prosecuted for his conduct at the Battle of Minden (1758). 2. [Perreau, Robert.] A letter to the right hon. Earl of Suffolk … in which the innocence of Robert Perreau is demonstrated … London: printed for T. Hookham, at his Circulating Library … 1775. 8vo in fours, pp. [iv], 43. Robert and Daniel Perreau were hanged for forgery in January 1776; their accomplice, Margaret Rudd, was tried but allowed to go free. 3. [Perreau, Daniel.] Mr Daniel Perreau's narrative of his unhappy case; wherein every particular transaction between Mrs. Rudd, his brother, and himself, from the commencement of Mr. Daniel Perreau's connexion with Mrs. Rudd, until the time of his trial, is most truly and candidly laid before the public; together with his defence. Published by himself. London: printed for T. Evans … 1775. 8vo in fours, pp. iv, 96. Title page and next leaf a little loose. 4. [Perreau, Daniel.] A solemn declaration of Mr. Daniel Perreau. Addressed to the public. Written by himself, and delivered to a friend in the cells of Newgate, on Sunday, Jan. 14, 1776. Published at his dying request. London: printed for T. Evans … 1776. 8vo in fours, pp. [iv], 30. 5. [Fitzgerald, George Robert.] A genuine narrative of facts, which led to the murder of Patrick Randal M'Donnel, esq. near Castlebar, in the Kingdom of Ireland; for which George Robert Fitzgerald, esquire, now stands indicted … never before published. By an impartial hand … London: printed for J. Debrett … 1786. 8vo in fours, pp. 48. 'Fighting' Fitzgerald is said to have fought a total of twelve duels, but was hanged in 1786 for his part in this murder. 6. [Hackman, James.] The case and memoirs of the late Rev. Mr. James Hackman, and of his acquaintance with the late Miss Martha Reay: with a commentary on his conviction, distinguishing between his crime in particular, and that of others who have been condemned for murder. And also, some thoughts on lunacy and suicide … The eighth edition, with additions.

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• Titolo: THE CONVICT'S ADDRESS TO HIS UNHAPPY BRETHREN. Delivered in the chapel of Newgate, on Friday, June 6, 1777.
• Editore: London: printed for G. Kearsly at no. 46 in Fleet-Street
• Data di pubblicazione: 1777
• Cataloghi dei venditori:
  • Prose