8vo. [4], 480pp. Later half-calf, tooled in gilt and blind, marbled paper boards, contrasting red morocco lettering-piece, carmine edges. A trifle rubbed. Occasional light dampstaining. Edward Hailstone's copy, with his gilt-tooled morocco bookplate to FEP.

The first edition of journalist John Wade's (1788-1875) immensely popular exposition of conspiracy and mismanagement within the Church and government of Britain. The work sold in excess of fifty thousand copies and generated significant support for the reform movement.

Provenance: Edward Hailstone (1818-1890), Yorkshire solicitor, antiquary, and bibliophile who, sceptical of the abilities of public libraries to properly preserve books, bequeathed his extensive library to the Dean's library, York Minster.