The Example of France, a Warning to Britain.

London: Printed for W. Richardson,, 1793. First edition, representing Young's conversion from a radical to a conservative, warning his countrymen about the dangers of similar revolution in Britain. Young had travelled in France in the early years of the revolution, and his experiences in the country, including seeing his aristocratic friends murdered and rendered destitute, "brought about a permanent change in his political views. From being a liberal and a reformer, by 1792 he had become an opponent of the revolution and a conservative in English matters. He was highly critical of the ancien régime but, equally, he attacked the excesses of the revolution, and now he was fearful of the consequences of reform in England, necessary though it was... What was perhaps his most influential pamphlet, The Example of France a Warning to Britain, appeared in 1793 and reflected his changed views" (ODNB). By 1793 the English public were in broad agreement against the revolution, and this is reflected in the book's success - by the end of 1793 it had undergone three London editions and a Dublin edition. With the bookplate of John Gretton, 1st Baron Gretton (1867-1947), appropriately a Conservative MP who would have shared Young's fear of radical change. Octavo (209 x 130 mm). Late 19th century black half calf, spine lettered in gilt, marbled sides. Bound without half-title and final advertisement leaf. A little rubbed, binding firm, contents with light foxing in patches; a very good copy. ESTC T33671; Goldsmiths', 15890; Kress B.2633.