British education: or, the source of the disorders of Great Britain. Being an essay towards proving, that the immortality, ignorance, and false taste, which so generally prevail, are the natual and necessary consequences of the present defective system of education. With an attempt to shew, that a revival of the art of speaking, and the study of our own language, might contribute, in a great measure, to the cure of those evils

London: J. & R. Dodsley, 1756. First edition, 8vo, pp. [2], xl, 536, [2]; modern brown buckram, gilt title on spine; light foxing throughout; good, largely due to the unfortunate binding. Contemporary signature of Maria Beysell on half title. "A treatise of fundamental importance for the history of English studies and the teaching of English, discussing all aspects of language-study, including grammar, rhetoric and elocution" (Alston). One pamphlet and one farce (Captain O'Blunder) aside, this is Sheridan's first book. Alston X, 221. (Inventory #: 69592)