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POWNALL, Thomas. The Administration of the Coloni

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London: J. Walter, 1768. 8vo (202 x 125 mm). Modern calf-backed marbled paper boards, retaining a portion of the original spine label. Condition: lacks the half-title, light dampstaining throughout, heaviest to preliminary and terminal leaves. Provenance: George Logan (signature on title, "Dr. Logan" and marginalia on p. 279). An important edition of Pownall's influential survey of the American colonies, with much on taxation, and the proposal for the colonies to unite. "Pownall held liberal views on the connection of England with its colonies, and was a staunch friend to the American provinces" (DNB). Indeed, his voice in Parliament on behalf of the colonists contributed greatly to the repeal of the dreaded Stamp Act. Six editions of Pownall's Administration were published between 1764 and 1777, each with considerable additions. "[It] is remarkable in political literature, not only for the timeliness of its first publication, but for the way in which subsequent editions kept pace with changing events" (Guttridge). The present fourth edition is a notable one as being the first to appear following the repeal of the Stamp Act, as well as being considerably reorganized and enlarged. "While it incorporated most of the text and the appendix of the third edition, the fourth edition also dealt with the American claim that the colonies, although subject to the Crown, were outside and separate from the realm ... The new edition was thus more explicit about what the author regarded as the true constitutional relationship between Great Britain and the colonies." (Guttridge). This copy belonging to George Logan (1753-1821) the grandson of William Penn's secretary James Logan, a noted Philadelphia physician, and member of the state legislature. Adams, American Controversy 64-16d; Guttridge, "Thomas Pownall's The Administration of the Colonies: The Six Editions" in The William and Mary Quarterly, Third Series, vol. 26, no. 1; Howes P539; Sabin 64817. [With:] Modus tenendi Parliamentum: or the Old Manner of holding Parliaments in England. London: Abel Roper, 1671. [Bound with:] Memorials of the Method and Manner of Proceedings in Parliament in Passing Bills. London: 1670. 12mo, early panelled calf, rebacked to style. Provenance: George Logan (signature on front free endpaper, "Dr. Logan").

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