Defoe, Daniel, attributed author A letter from a member of the House of Commons . . . relating to the Bill of Commerce [Defoe, Daniel, attributed author.] A letter from a member of the House of Commons to his friend in the country, relating to the Bill of Commerce. With true copy of the bill, and an exact list of all those who voted for and against engrossing it. London: printed, and sold by J. Baker, 1713. (2), 46 pp. 8vo, full polished calf, gilt, spine and inner dentelles gilt, contrasting red and black morocco labels, by Riviere & Son. First edition. The edition with press figures on pp. 15 and 23; the edition without press figures is almost certainly a reprint, possibly a piracy. In 1713 the Tory ministry made a treaty of commerce with France which was, according to McCulloch, both "liberal" and "judicious," and would have resulted in greatly increased trade and prosperity. Because of a reactionary panic among the merchants, however, the Bill was thrown out in the House of Commons by a majority of 194 to 185. Defoe was one of the few to oppose popular feeling and support the measure. Furbank and Owens (Defoe De-Attributions, p. 62) point out that a reply to this tract, possibly by John Oldmixon, says that there are "but two wretches upon earth that could write such a villanous libel," making it plain that Defoe and William Pittis are the "wretches" in question: "Altogether, though one would not rule out Defoe's authorship, the basis for an ascription to him does not seem very solid." A categorical "de-attribution," however, appears equally hazardous. A fine copy. Moore 265; Kress 2833; Hanson 1483; CBEL II, 893 ("probably by Defoe"). Price: GBP 400.00 other currencies   order no. B127    inquire

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