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2 volumes. 8¼x5¼, 448, [22]; [4], 449, [25] pp. 8x5, contemporary polished calf, each with a gilt-lettered red morocco spine label, raised bands. First Dublin Edition (second edition overall, after the 1799 London edition).

Scarce and important anthological study on women in society from the late sixteenth century. The male author points the unfair treatment of women, and explains what he has seen reflected in his own society. "When Vespucius discovered America he found the fair sex were entire strangers to the friendship of the men… The condition of the sex was not properly adjusted to any medium: they were everywhere either exalted to a degree far beyond the dictates of good policy, and vested with powers and privileges of the most exorbitant nature, or sunk to a level with the beasts… Such was the state in which they were found by the first discoverers of America…our sordid love of their gold overcame our politeness, banished humanity from our breasts; and instead of abolishing the slavery of the women, made us with a more than savage barbarity extend it to the men also" – from the author’s Preface.