Author: [TOPHAM (Edward)]:
Title: Letters from Edinburgh; Written in the Years 1774 and 1775: Containing Some Observations on the Diversions, Customs, Manners, and Laws, of the Scotch Nation, During a Six Months Residence in Edinburgh.
Description: London: Printed for J. Dodsley..., 1776. FIRST EDITION. 8vo, 200 x 124 mms., pp. [v] vi - xv [xvi blank], 383 [384 blank], contemporary calf, joints neatly restored, gilt spine, red morocco label. A very good copy. The journalist and playwright Edward Topham (1751–1820) was known as something of a smart dresser in his day, with Oxfod DNB recording that "Topham was a leader of fashion of the day. Reynolds describes his 'short scarlet coat, with large cut steel buttons; a very short white waistcoat, top-boots, and leather breeches, so long in their upper quarters, as almost to reach his chin', in contrast to the long coats and waistcoats and short breeches normally worn at this period." The Critical Review for 1776 quoted long portions of the text and concluded "...we shall inform [our readers] that though the author has treated Dr. Johnson with a degree of severity, he has, on some occasions, adopted the most exceptionable of his observations; and that amidst both the prejudice and partiality which the writer of the Letters alternately discovers, his remarks are frequently more ingenious than just, and frivolous rather than interesting. The Letters, however, which amount to forty-six, are written in an agreeable and lively style."

Keywords: topography sociology prose


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