The Savages of Europe. From the French

Robert-Martin Lesuire; Louvel; James Pettit Andrews

London : printed by Dryden Leach, for T. Davies, in Russel-Street, Covent-Garden, MDCCLXIV, 1764

[An amusing 18th century satire of the British by the French.  In this work the British are accused of ghastly things, such as: riots, hangings, corruption, general beastly behavior, and terrible, terrible food.] Bound in contemporary speckled calf.  Rebacked on modern morocco, with original spine label retained.  Gilt ruled.  144 p. Barbier IV, page 433.  Copper engraved frontispiece and three additional copper engravings. "We can only pity, and try to enlighten them. -'Tis this very end which brought me to England." p. 66. 

First English edition of Les Sauvages d'Europe.  The novel was a satire of British life.  Translated by James Pettit Andrews, who also did the plates (DNB).  "The translator of Les Sauvages D'Europe picked up the original by accident, as he was making a tour of the Continent: - he was struck by the humour of it, and took it into his head, that though, in the satire, the failings of Englishmen are exaggerated beyond all reason, yet it might, on the whole, be of some use to his country-men, to know in what light they are seen by foreigners.  It is only necessary to add, that very few liberties have been taken in the translation; the author of Les Sauvages of Europe was too well acquainted with the English laws and customs to make many alterations necessary." - Translator's preface.  Cataloger's note: The book is really quite funny.