[Z] [Johnson (Richard)] The Birmingham Counterfeit

[Johnson (Richard)] The Birmingham Counterfeit; or, Invisible Spectator, London: [W. Strahan], for S Bladon, 1772, two volumes, first edition, contemporary calf, red morocco title labels and similar volume labels, an attractive set in full contemporary calf with both half titles (2)

A scarce novel, attributable to Richard Johnson, a jobbing writer and press corrector. Johnson noted in his account book: "1772 Nov.27. Mr Strahan began printing the Birmingham Counterfeit, for which he is responsible in Eight or Ten Guineas, according as he shall dispose of it when printed". The author notes that he "chosen a very humble title, and made a Birmingham Shilling his principal agent" (Preface)