Paper Against Gold.

London: Printed and Published by Wm. Cobbett,, 1828. Later edition, with a new fictitious dedication to the Duke of Wellington, of Cobbett's declamation against paper currency and government debt, both twin evils in his view, with the debt necessitating the production of paper money to pay the interest. The book is comprised of letters originally published in Cobbett's Political Register between 1810 and 1815; they were then published in two volumes in 1815, in parts in 1817, and another edition in 1821, prior to this edition. The new dedication to Wellington boldly declares that "you, who are now First Lord of the Treasury, ought to understand the principles relating to money... as it is my opinion... you do not understand those principles, I present this book to you as a teacher in this branch of knowledge". Cobbett explains how the war against Napoleon was funded by increasing the national debt, suspending the use of gold, and using paper money, and chronicles the economic hardships imposed on working people by the resultant inflation of currency. Many of the letters were written while he was imprisoned for opposing the flogging of militia men. Octavo. Uncut in original brown quarter cloth and drab paper boards, remnants of printed spine label. With 12-page Cobbet Library catalogue at rear. Contemporary ownership signature to front pastedown. Light wear around extremities and soiling to boards, very minor glue repair at foot of front joint, some light foxing; a very good copy. Goldsmiths 21803; Kress B6891; Pearl, William Cobbett, No. 81.