On the Beauties of Liberty: or the Essential Rights of the Americans… the Fifth Edition… By a British Bostonian.

Pamphlet 8vo, early wrappers, restitched 3-40 pp. Lacks title page, but facsimile on what appears to be early paper is provided. Tattered, wrappers somewhat rough, and some dampstaining and soiling, edges rough and with corner folds. But in about good condition overall. Notation on back of title page indicates this copy may have come from the Connecticut Historical Society. This is a rare tract (OCLC appears to locate few if any hard copies), and the fourth and fifth editions reflect significant rewriting from the earlier editions. In fact, the section on the Rights and Liberties of Africans was probably not in the earlier editions. That material was added after an address on "A Few Strictures on Liberty of Conscience’ delivered at the public school of Boston. Clearly the last eight pages of this pamphlet are the most important because of its focus on the rights of African Americans. In addition to condemning slavery, Allen takes it a step further by stating that slave revolts are both inevitable and justifiable. He also quotes from a petition by slaves of Massachusetts to the General Court arguing for their right to purchase freedom. Sabin 836. Brinley 8839. Shipton Mooney 13627.