London, John Creswick and Co., 1796. (Drawback). Small 8vo. Contemp. full calf. Richly gilt spine, broad gilt borders on covers. Inside gilt borders. All edges gilt. Inner hinges weak. Engreved portrait (Sterne). XV,200 pp. and 2 engraved plates. A marginal brownspot to one plate. Internally clean.
One of the scarce issues with the printed ""Drawback"" on the title-page beneath the year, INDICATING THAT THE EDITION WAS INTENDED FOR EXPORT. The 1794 Act for Repealing the Duties on paper... allowed the refond of duty paid on paper used for books intended for export. To qualify, the paper used had to be watermarked with a year, 1794 or later (this copy marked ""94"", and the refund or drawback could only be claimed by a printer, publisher or bookseller exporting it as merchandice.