Author: [LAVEAUX (Jean-Charles)]:
Title: The Life of Frederick the Second, King of Prussia. To which are added, Observations, Authentic Documents, and a Variety of Anecdotes.
Description: London: Printed for J. Debrett..., 1789. FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. 2 volumes. 8vo, 212 x 125 mms., pp.xi [xii blank]. 525 [526 blank, 527 - 540 Index]; [iv], 560 [561 -569 Index, 570 blank, 571 - 573 adverts], including half-title in each volumes, contemporary calf, neatly rebacked with old spine with red leather labels laid down; no front free end-papers or plates, but a good set with the inscription "F. Selby/ Wareham/ Dorsetshire" on the front paste-down end--paper of each volume The work was reviewed in Analytical Review: Or History of Literature, Domestic and Foreign for 1789, with the reviewer noting the number of accounts of Frederick's life, but finding this one the best: "Of all the biographers of Frederick II. that have come to our hand, the aughor of this copious publication before us, both gratifies and instructs the most. He has employed his industry in collecting a multitude of interesting anecdotes, and curious and interesting facts as enter always with propriety into the memoirs of illustrious men, although they do not constitute what may be regarded as materials for the graver pages of history.... The author is a man of genius and education, and versant in the ways of the world. Amidst a boundless variety of particulars, he attaches himself to those that are most curious and important, never losing sight of his main object, to paint the character, life, and great actions of the King of Prussia." The English Review, Or, An Abstract of English and Foreign Literature was not quite so enthusiastic either about the treatment of Frederick or the translator: "Of the translator we can say but little in commendation; his great inequality of style makes it impossible either to praise or condemn, without a sort of compunction.... Upon the whole, there is something callous and inanimate in his style, and if he struggle [sic] to raise and enliven it, its gaiety resembles the supposititous smiles of a fashionable coquet, unimpressed by genuine feeling, and uninspired by its native vivacity." ESTC N6026 locates copies in National Library of Ireland, Bodleian, National Trust, Universities of Bristol and Essex; and in North America, Bryn Mawr, Harvard, New York Historical Library, and Oberlin College.

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