DRINKWATER, John (1762-1844)

A history of the late siege of Gibraltar. With a description and account of that Garrison, from the earliest periods. By John Drinkwater, captain in the late seventy-second regiment, or Royal Manchester Volunteers, and an honorary member of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester [Untrimmed Subscribers Copy]

London: Printed by T. Spilsbury, Snowhill; and sold by J. Johnson, No 72, St. Paul’s Church-Yard; T. and J. Egerton, Charing-Cross; and J. Edwards, No 102, Pall-Mall, M.DCC.LXXXVI [1786]. Half-Calf. Third Edition of this fascinating eyewitness account of the longest siege ever endured by British forces. 4to: xxiv,356pp, with 10 folding engravings (charts of the Bay of Gibraltar and the coasts of Barbary, Spain, and Portugal; plans of the sortie and the grand attack, and plates of various views of Gibraltar), title-page vignette, and list of subscribers. Contemporary half-calf over marbled paper-covered boards, spine in compartments (title direct in gilt to second), each with center gilt medallion, divided by gilt-ruled raised bands. A superior, completely untrimmed, wide-margined copy, with deep, rich impressions of the huge folding plates (some with old skillful repairs, without loss, on versos). Aside from grubby deckle edges, virtually pristine. ESTC Citation No. T151999. Palau 76214. Lowndes II 674 (referencing first and Dublin editions). Not in Adams & Waters. Fine-. Item #BB1501

The Great Siege of Gibraltar was an unsuccessful attempt by Spain and France, during the American War of Independence, to capture British territory on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, won from Spain, in 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession. This was the largest action fought during the war in terms of numbers, particularly the Grand Assault of 18 September 1782. The siege, by both land and naval forces, put the garrison under great pressure, as food and fuel became scarce. Two successful naval expeditions, in 1780 and 1781, evaded the blockade to bring provisions and extra troops, and to evacuate civilians. The siege was lifted, and Gibraltar remained a key British naval base in the Mediterranean. At age fifteen, Drinkwater joined the Royal Manchester Volunteers, which were besieged at Gibraltar June 1779 and February 1783. Using his careful notes, Drinkwater later compiled this history, which went through four editions in four years. N. B. With few exceptions (always identified), we only stock books in exceptional condition, with dust jackets carefully preserved in archival, removable polypropylene sleeves. 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: $1,099.00