8vo. xvi, 432pp. Contemporary navy half-calf, marbled boards, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, gilt, marbled edges. Extremities worn. Marbled endpapers, internally clean and crisp.

The first edition of writer Sir John Barrow's (1764-1848) biography of naval officer Richard Howe, Earl Howe (1726-1799). Howe forged a distinguished career with the Royal Navy, serving with distinction during the Seven Years' War, rising to the position of commander-in-chief of the fleet during the American War of Independence, ultimately being appointed first lord of the Admiralty.