Jodrell, Richard Paul

Rocks of Meillerie: an epistle

      London 1779 - [Jodrell, Richard Paul.] The rocks of Meillerie: an epistle from the C--n--ss of D-r-y to the D-ke of D-r--t. Written near the lake of Geneva; with a preface and illustrations. London: printed by C. Etherington, for R. Faulder, 1779. (4), 24 pp. 4to, recent marbled boards. First edition. A poem inspired by Alpine scenery (Mont Blanc) and the sentiments of Rousseau's Nouvelle Heloise, and consisting of the Countess of Derby's lament at having been deserted by her lover, the Duke of Dorset. John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset (1745-1799) is now best remembered for his role in the annals of cricket -- in 1774 he had taken part in the first recorded partnership of a century -- but he was at the same time a notorious philanderer who had a succession of mistresses (including Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire). Richard Jodrell was educated at Eton and Oxford, and had an interest in the classics; he went on to write a number of plays. He cultivated the friendship of Samuel Johnson, and in 1783 became a member of the Essex Head Club, of which he was the last surviving member. A very good copy, complete with the half-title, of a scarce poem; the ESTC lists 11 copies. Jackson, p. 75. [Attributes: First Edition; Hard Cover]