Robert Heron [John Pinkerton] — Letters of Literature

London, G. G. J and J. Robinson, 1785. First edition. Leather. The scarce first edition of this depreciating collection of essays regarding the classic authors of Greece and Rome. The first edition of the work. Scarce. Front endpapers and blanks neatly excised. Half title retained.  Bound in contemporary full calf.  Published under the pseudonym Robert Heron, the work was written by John Pinkerton and acts as a depreciating account of classical Greek and Roman authors, including Cato, Petrarch and Juvenal. An important figure in British antiquarianism, sympathetic scholars refer to Pinkerton as 'eccentric' with others implying at mild insanity.  In contemporary full calf. Externally generally smart with rubbing to boards and extremities. Crack to spine. Front hinge slightly strained but firm. Front endpapers and blanks neatly excised. Internally firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean with scattered spotting and marginal age toning. Contemporary ink inscriptions to half title and title page. Tide marks to the occasional leaf. Very Good . Ill.: None. Very Good .