L'Ingenu; Or, The Sincere Huron: A True History. Translated from the French of M. De Voltaire. Dublin, J. Millikin, 1768.
First Dublin Edition. 12mo (165 x 105 mm) pp. [ii], 218, (pp. 198-199 misnumbered 298-299), printed on poor quality paper and consequently slightly browned, in contemporary plain calf, raised bands, new label lettered in gilt, endleaves all present but pastedowns loose from the boards, with the contemporary ownership inscription of Anne Bailie on the title-page.
This scarce Dublin edition is one of three distinct English language editions of Voltaire’s wonderful conte philosophique to be published in 1768, each with a different collation and no mention of a translator’s name. The other editions were published in London by S. Bladon and in Glasgow by Robert Urie. Voltaire’s tale, which first appeared in 1767, is one of the great literary exemplars of the noble savage: the corruption and absurdities within French society are shown in stark contrast to the nobility of the eponymous hero, who reacts with simple directness to everything, with comic and tragic results.
ESTC n17236 lists BL, Cambridge, NLI, Brown, Toronto and McMaster; OCLC adds the University of Notre Dame.
Not in Block (see 1239 for the London edition and 1240 for the Glasgow edition); Sabin 100747.