The history of the life and adventures of Mr. Duncan Campbell, a gentleman, who tho’ deaf and dumb, writes down any stranger’s name at first sight: with their future contingencies of fortune. Now Living In Exeter-Court over-against the Savoy in the Strand
London: printed for E. Curll: and sold by W. Mears and T. Jauncy without Temple Bar, W. Meadows in Cornhill, A. Bettesworth in Pater-Noster-Row, W. Lewis in Covent Garden, and W. Graves in St. James’s Street, M.DCC.XX [1720]. Paneled Calf. First Edition of this purported autobiography of the notorous London fraud, a deaf and mute fortune teller, once thought to be by Defoe (Moore) but more often attributed to William Bond, a Grub Street writer. 8vo (191 x 116mm): xix,[5],320pp, with copper-engraved engraved frontispiece portrait (signed "Hill pinx. Price sculp') and three plates, including a sign language chart. Contemporary Cambridge-style paneled calf, book plate of Thomas Symonds of Pengethly, presumably Thomas Powell Symonds (1762-1819), member of Parliament, or a descendant. A superb survival, tightly bound and free of foxing, clean and bright throughout (quires O and P lightly toned), with rich impressions of the plates. Furbank & Owens 432. Moore 432. McBurney 111. Fine. Item #BB2220
Subsequent editions appeared later in 1720 and in 1728, 1732, and 1739. The text describes Campbell's supposed remarkable feats, and includes discussions of sign language, second sight, and the existence of spirits. William Bond, according to ODNB, "lodged for a while with the deaf mute fortune-teller Duncan Campbell (d. 1730) and wrote the well-known anonymous Life of Campbell (1720). Reissued as The Supernatural Philosopher, in 1728, under Bond's name." 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: $1,024.00