Narrative of the Departation to Cayenne, And Shipwreck on the Coast

1800. London: Printed for J. Wright, 1800.. London: Printed for J. Wright, 1800. Intended to Expose the Brutality of the French Revolution Ayme, Jean-Jacques. Narrative of the Deportation to Cayenne, And Shipwreck on the Coast of Scotland, Of J.J. Job Aime, Written by Himself. With Observations on the Present State of that Colony, And of the Negroes; And an Account of the Situation of the Deported Person at the Time of His Escape. London: Printed for J. Wright, 1800. [ii], 282, [12] pp. Lacking half-title and final publisher advertisement leaf. Octavo (8-1/2" x 5-1/4"). Contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards, lettering piece and gilt fillets to spine, marbled edges. Light rubbing to boards, moderate rubbing to extremities, front hinge starting, three early library bookplates to front pastedown. Moderate toning to text, occasional light foxing. $950. * Second and final English edition. First published as Deportation et Naufrage de J.J. Ayme, Ex-Legislateur, the first English Translation followed later that year. Ayme was a member of the Directory who was arrested after the Coup of 18 Fructidor and sent to the penal colony in Cayenne commonly known as Devil's Island. He managed to escape and eventually made his way to England. His narrative details the inhuman behavior of the colony's masters towards their prisoners and slaves. Produced to promote opposition to the Revolution in Great Britain, the English translation was intended to expose the brutality of the Directory and the hollowness of its stated commitment to political freedom and human rights. The second edition was also issued in a composite volume with two other books critical of the French Revolution titled History of the Revolution of the 18th Fructidor. Sabin, A Dictionary of Books Relating to America 545. English Short-Title Catalogue T87787.