Select proverbs of all nations: illustrated with notes and comments. To which is added, a summary of ancient pastimes, holidays and customs ... By Thomas Fielding

New York: published by P. Covert, 1825. First American edition, 12mo, pp. xvi, [17]-216; contemporary quarter red roan over marbled boards; rubbed and worn but good and sound. Ownership signature on the upper cover of Wm. C. Hasbrouck, and in ink on the bottom edge "Wm. H. Hasbrouck," both of whose names are on the front pastedown, and one of whom has written at the base of the title page "There are other books of proverbs viz. Geo [sic] Ray's Proverbs in the Bohn edition; Kelly's Proverbs of All Nations; Haskell's Book of Proverbs. This edition Fielding's is very rare." Several informed pencil annotations in the margin. The scarce first book of proverbs to be published in America. The proverbs are arranged under a dozen or so subject headings (Religion, Law, Economy, Women, Health, etc.). Among the pastimes discussed are Hand-ball, Stool-ball, Foot-ball, "Goff," Cricket, etc. John Wade was the British political reformer who published the notorious and influential Black Book, a litany of British political and industrial abuses. American Imprints 23185.