The History of the Union of Great Britain, Daniel Defoe, Edinburgh 1709

A handsomely preserved and professionally restored first edition of The History of the Union of Great Britain (1709), attributed to Daniel Defoe. Commissioned by the government to help shape public opinion following the 1707 Acts of Union, this detailed narrative—published anonymously—offers one of the most significant contemporary accounts of Scotland and England’s parliamentary unification. This copy retains its original 18th-century calf boards, now expertly rebacked, and remains complete and clean throughout. Increasingly scarce in this condition.

This important early 18th-century work offers a contemporary account of the political and legislative processes that led to the 1707 Union between England and Scotland, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. Though the title page bears no author credit, the work is widely attributed to Daniel Defoe, who was not only a prolific journalist and author, but also directly involved in the events of the time. As a government agent and pro-Union propagandist, Defoe had been dispatched to Scotland to influence public opinion and report on developments leading up to the Acts of Union.

Written with Defoe’s characteristic clarity and rhetorical skill, the book chronicles parliamentary debates, the drafting of the Articles of Union, and the reaction among the Scottish public. It is especially valued for its insight into the political sentiment and economic pressures of the time, as well as Defoe’s unique perspective as both participant and observer.

The History of the Union of Great Britain, by Daniel Defoe (uncredited to title). 

Published by the Heirs and Successors of Andrew Anderson, Printer to the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. Anno Dom. 1709. First edition, first state (with dedications to both the Queen, with Daniel Defoe name, and the Duke of Queensberry, and Preface with D.F. initials, and with multiple pagination sequences to text).

A very good hardback in original contemporary full calf leather with raised bands to spine and original title (now rubbed). Covers have been expertly repaired and rebacked with the original spine retained and strengthened, leaving a strongly bound and secure volume.

Text pages are very good throughout with some very light scattered age-spotting/toning. A handsome, and rare, volume.

Text in English.

(2) Blank endpaper leaves + (1) Main title + (10) Dedication to the Queen + i-xxxii Preface + (4) Dedication to James, Duke of Queensberry and Dover + 1-60pp + 1-116pp + 1-76pp + 273pp + (1) Errata + 1-38pp + 1-60pp + 57-60pp + 65-131pp + (2) Blank endpaper leaves. Endpapers original. Collated, complete.

Weight - approximately 1.82kg unpacked.

Dimensions - approximately 309mm high x 198mm wide x 50mm deep.