[Johnstone, Johnson ] JOHNSTON, Charles (1719?-1800?)

[Color Plate] Chrysal, or, The adventures of a guinea: wherein are exhibited views of several striking scenes : with interesting anecdotes of the most noted persons in every rank of life through whose hands it has passed, by an Adept [3 vols.]

London: Printed for Samuel Richards and Co. 3, Grocers'-Hall Court, Poultry; and T. Mason & Sons, 2, Great Russel Street, Bloomsbury, 1822. Paper-Covered Boards. The "best scandalous chronicle of the day," complete in three volumes. (Tooley) 12mo: viii,319; 321; 326pp, with 12 hand-colored plates engraved by Maddocks, E. F. Burney, and W. Read. Uniformly rebound to style by Fitterer, with period marbled paper-covered boards and modern paper labels, top edges gilt, end papers renewed with laid paper. Bindings pristine; some gatherings foxed in volume I, otherwise a very good or better set with only sporadic foxing and offsetting from the plates, which are generally fresh and bright. Tooley 283 (for 1821 octavo edition). Very Good +. Item #BB0354

Originally published pseudonymously, in 1760, in two volumes. This, Johnston's chief work (spelled variously Johnston, Johnson and Johnstone), "appeared in four volumes between 1760 and 1765. The first and second volumes were written during a visit to the earl of Mount-Edgcumbe in Devon and had already gone through three editions before Johnstone was prevailed on to write the concluding two, and the whole work was frequently reprinted during the eighteenth century (and translated into French). An excoriating satire that won Johnstone respect as a wit but few friends, the novel is set roughly during the period of the Seven Years' War (1757–63) and pretends to reveal political secrets, and to expose the private profligacy of many of the well-known—and highly colourful—public characters of the time." (ODNB) N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition. All orders are packaged with care and posted promptly. Satisfaction guaranteed. (Fine Editions Ltd is a member of the Independent Online Booksellers Association, and we subscribe to its codes of ethics.).

Price: $349.00