A Philosophical Historical and Moral Essay on Old Maids

London: T Cadell, 1785. First edition. Leather. Good. 7.5" by 4.5". None. A bright, first edition copy of these essays by William Hayley, regarding the 'sisterhood of old maids' in the late eighteenth century. With essays on the 'situation and treatment of old maids in general', 'the ingenuity of old maids', 'old maids in ancient history' and 'christian and other modern old maids'. With the bookplate of the Knightley family of Fawsley Hall to the recto of front endpaper. Fawsley hall is a landscape park created by the Knightley family in Northamptonshire. To the front pastedowns there is a bookplate for Isabella Wyatt, of West Grinstead Place, Sussex. West Grinstead Place was the seat of Sir Merrick Burrell, Bart. Hayley writes to the preface that he devotes himself 'with a new species of Quixotism, to the service of Ancient Virginity. It is my intention, in the following work, to redress all the wrongs of the autumnal maiden, and to place her, if possible, in a state of honour, content and comfort.' William Hayley was an English writer, who is best known for creating a biography of the poet William Cowper. Hayley's work provides an eighteenth century perspective of the morals, lifestyle and sexuality of older women. A fascinating essay collection, discussing a commonly ostracised group of people, particularly at the time of writing. Bound without half titles. In uniform full calf bindings. Externally, generally smart with loss to the tail of spines. Light rubbing to the joints and to the extremities. Front joint to volume I is split, with the hinge strained but firm. Small split to the head of front joint to volume III. Split to front joint of volume II. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright with just the odd spot. Good