8vo. In two volumes. [2], 293, [1]; [2], 262pp. Contemporary gilt-ruled sprinkled calf, brown morocco lettering-pieces. Rubbed, a trifle marked, chipping to head of spine of Vol. II. Internally clean and crisp.

The first edition of a series of cultural profiles of European nationalities, beginning with the English, then moving through the French, Italians, Spaniards, Germans and Dutch, by John Andrews (1736?-1809), an historian, of unknown background, who enjoyed modest fame in his lifetime. An obituary in the Gentleman's Magazine for February 1809 lamented that 'by his death the Nation is deprived of an able historian, a profound scholar and politician, and a man ever ready to take up his pen in his Country's cause'. The present work certainly demonstrates his pride for Britain and a dislike of foreigners, the French in particular; his comments on other cultures clearly intended only to make Britons aware of their better selves.