(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Somers, John, Baron. The Judgment of Whole Kingdoms and Nations, Concerning...

(AMERICAN REVOLUTION--PRELUDE.) Somers, John, Baron. The Judgment of Whole Kingdoms and Nations, Concerning the Rights, Powers and Prerogative of Kings. 156 pages. 8vo, original plain wrappers, lacking front wrapper; minor wear and soiling; uncut; early ownership inscriptions on final blank and rear wrapper. Newport, RI: Solomon Southwick, 1774

Third American edition, after Boston and Philadelphia editions in 1773. This 1709 tract by a British Whig argued that the power of kings flowed directly from the people. Somers had put this principle into action in the 1688 Glorious Revolution when he played a leading role in the overthrow of King James II. Not surprisingly, his writings found a new audience in the American colonies as the war for independence approached. Authorship is also sometimes ascribed to Daniel Defoe. Alden, Rhode Island 564; Evans 13631; Sabin 86798.