The history of the life and adventures of Mr. Duncan Campbell, a gentleman, who, tho 'Deaf and Dumb, writes down any Stranger's name at first sight' with their future contingencies of fortune. [Defoe, Daniel]

First edition of a work traditionally ascribed to Defoe [Defoe, Daniel]. The history of the life and adventures of Mr. Duncan Campbell, a gentleman, who, tho 'Deaf and Dumb, writes down any Stranger's name at first sight' with their future contingencies of fortune. 1720. London. Printed for E. Curll. 8vo, (190 x 116 mm). frontispiece, xix, 2 ff., 320, 8pp., 3 plates. Handsome 19th century full mottled calf, covers with double gilt filet, smooth spine tooled in gilt, edges gilt, red morocco label, gilt edges; rebacked preserving original spine, head of spine restored. Evenly browned throughout, else excellent. First edition of this narrative of a deaf mute who was able to prevail in life by a peculiar ability; it is illustrated with a frontispiece and 3 full-page plates, one of which shows pictograms of sign language. It includes chapters on the occult. The authorship of the book has not clearly been established although historically has been attributed to the prolific Daniel Defoe, it is now also believed to have been authored by William Bond. Provenance: John Croft Deverell, armorial bookplate on front pastedown.