1768 [AMERICAN REVOLUTION] Sympathetic Colonial Administrator Argues against Stamp Act, Excessive Taxation, &c.

A lovely example of the important fourth edition of Pownall's influential survey of the American colonies. This edition includes the appendix discussing Indian affairs, and suggesting to the Crown his counsel on dealing with French and Indian disturbances, the Crown's general interactions with the American colonists, etc.,

The work overall deals heavily with the issues that immediately led to the Revolutionary Wary, including taxation and inter-colony union, etc., "Pownall held liberal views on the connection of England with its colonies, and was a staunch friend to the American provinces" (DNB). In fact, it was Pownall's voice in Parliament that helped lead to the repeal of the dreaded Stamp Act.

Six editions of Pownall's Administration were published between 1764 and 1777, each with considerable additions. "[It] is remarkable in political literature, not only for the timeliness of its first publication, but for the way in which subsequent editions kept pace with changing events" (Guttridge). The present fourth edition is a notable one as being the first to appear following the repeal of the Stamp Act, as well as being considerably reorganized and enlarged.

"While it incorporated most of the text and the appendix of the third edition, the fourth edition also dealt with the American claim that the colonies, although subject to the Crown, were outside and separate from the realm ... The new edition was thus more explicit about what the author regarded as the true constitutional relationship between Great Britain and the colonies." (Guttridge).

The last copy to come to auction, in perhaps a slightly lesser state than the present, was at Sotheby's [2021] where it fetched over just $2,100.00

Pownall, Thomas. The Administration of the Colonies. (The Fourth Edition.) Wherein Their Rights and Constitution are Discussed and Stated, by Thomas Pownall, Late Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Provinces, Massachusetts-Bay and South-Carolina, and Lieutenant-Governor of New-Jersey. London: Printed for J. Walter, at Homer's Head, Charing-Cross. 1768. xxxi + 318 + 73pp.

Somewhat recently rebound in a sympathetic and skillful half calf binding with period appropriate materials. Binding is very good to find. Half-title not present. Title a bit shipped and worn as shown. Otherwise, textually crisp and bright. Final leaf of text chipped with no impact to text.