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18th Century History Books

Explore the century of revolutions, refinement, and radical ideas that reshaped the modern world.

The 18th century was defined by Enlightenment philosophy, imperial conflict, artistic brilliance, and new cultural identities. From Venice’s luminous cityscapes and Vienna’s musical salons to debates about race and evolving military strategy, these books illuminate the political and cultural shifts of the long 1700s.

Discover our 18th Century History Books collection and deepen your understanding of the Enlightenment era.

Why Study the 18th Century?

18th-century history resources help readers:

  • Understand Enlightenment thought

  • Explore revolutionary political ideas

  • Examine artistic innovation

  • Study early modern military transformation

  • Analyze evolving social categories

The 1700s laid foundations for modern democracy, nationalism, and global exchange.

Venetian Art & Urban Splendor

The 18th century saw Venice emerge as a visual icon through landscape painting and architectural grandeur.

Splendour in Venice: From Canaletto to Guardi explores how artists like Canaletto and Guardi captured Venice’s canals, palaces, and civic identity.

Art reflected both economic power and cultural prestige.

War & Military Strategy in the Age of Revolution

The century’s conflicts reshaped Europe and beyond.

Napoleon and the Operational Art of War: Essays in Honor of Donald D. Horward. (Revised and Extended Edition) examines strategic innovation during the Napoleonic era, bridging late 18th- and early 19th-century warfare.

The operational art of war evolved alongside political upheaval.

Hokusai & Global Artistic Exchange

The 18th century was also an era of artistic innovation in Japan.

The Works: Katsushika Hokusai: The Essential Masterpieces showcases the essential masterpieces of Hokusai, whose woodblock prints influenced both Japanese culture and later European art movements.

Global artistic exchange reshaped aesthetic traditions.

Race, Enlightenment & Political Thought

The Enlightenment era produced both ideals of liberty and problematic racial theories.

Biography of a Dangerous Idea: A New History of Race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson traces how concepts of race developed during the 17th and 18th centuries and how they intersected with political philosophy.

Understanding these ideas is crucial for contextualizing modern debates.

Music & Civic Culture in Vienna

The 18th century witnessed the rise of musical culture beyond aristocratic courts.

Musical Amateurs as Artistic Citizens in Schubert's Vienna explores how amateur musicians participated in Vienna’s vibrant cultural life, redefining artistic citizenship.

Music became a civic as well as artistic expression.

The 18th Century as Global Turning Point

18th Century History Books support:

  • Enlightenment philosophy study

  • Art and urban identity research

  • Military and strategic analysis

  • Cultural and musical history

  • Intellectual history of race

The era combined beauty, conflict, and radical intellectual change.

Featured 18th Century History Books

Splendour in Venice: From Canaletto to Guardi
A study of Venetian art and urban representation.

Napoleon and the Operational Art of War
An analysis of strategic innovation in the age of revolution.

The Works: Katsushika Hokusai: The Essential Masterpieces
A collection highlighting Hokusai’s artistic legacy.

Biography of a Dangerous Idea: A New History of Race from Louis XIV to Thomas Jefferson
A historical exploration of race in Enlightenment thought.

Musical Amateurs as Artistic Citizens in Schubert's Vienna
A cultural study of music and civic life in 18th-century Vienna.

How to Choose the Right 18th Century Book

Let your interest guide your selection:

  • Art history: Venetian or Japanese masterpieces

  • Military history: Napoleonic strategic studies

  • Intellectual history: race and Enlightenment thought

  • Cultural history: music and civic participation

The 18th century benefits from interdisciplinary exploration.

Summary

18th Century History Books illuminate an era of refinement and revolution.

  • Focused on Enlightenment ideas and artistic innovation

  • Grounded in global cultural transformation

  • Designed for deeper historical insight

From Venetian cityscapes and Japanese woodblock art to Napoleonic strategy, Enlightenment debates on race, and Vienna’s musical culture, these books reveal how the 1700s reshaped the modern world.

Explore 18th Century History Books and rediscover the century that bridged tradition and revolution.

FAQs

Why is the 18th century important?
It saw the Enlightenment, major revolutions, artistic innovation, and evolving political theory.

Was Napoleon part of the 18th century?
His career began in the late 18th century and continued into the early 19th century.

Did Enlightenment ideas include contradictions?
Yes. Ideals of liberty coexisted with problematic racial and colonial theories.

How did art change in the 1700s?
Urban landscapes, civic identity, and global influences expanded artistic themes.

Was music limited to elites?
No. Amateur musicians increasingly shaped cultural life in cities like Vienna.

5080 Results

5080 Results

[The Compleat Country Dancing-Master.: Being a Collection of All the Celebrated Country Dances Now in Vogue. ... with Proper Tunes and Directions to E
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[The Compleat Country Dancing-Master.: Being a Collection of All the Celebrated Country Dances Now in Vogue. ... with Proper Tunes and Directions to E

[The Compleat Country Dancing-Master.: Being a Collection of All the Celebrated Country Dances Now in Vogue. ... with Proper Tunes and Directions to E

Multiple Contributors
$23.99
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[Wright's compleat collection of celebrated country dances both old and new that are in vouge [sic],: with the newest and best directions to each danc
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[Wright's compleat collection of celebrated country dances both old and new that are in vouge [sic],: with the newest and best directions to each danc

[Wright's compleat collection of celebrated country dances both old and new that are in vouge [sic],: with the newest and best directions to each danc

Multiple Contributors
$17.99
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Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1791.: With Proper Tunes and Directions to Each Dance, as They Are Perform'd at Court, Bath, & All Publick Ass
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Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1791.: With Proper Tunes and Directions to Each Dance, as They Are Perform'd at Court, Bath, & All Publick Ass

Twenty Four Country Dances for the Year 1791.: With Proper Tunes and Directions to Each Dance, as They Are Perform'd at Court, Bath, & All Publick Ass

Multiple Contributors
$13.99
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The history of the damnable life, and deserved death of Dr. John Faustus. Newly printed, and in convenient places, impertinent matter amended, accordi
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The history of the damnable life, and deserved death of Dr. John Faustus. Newly printed, and in convenient places, impertinent matter amended, accordi

The history of the damnable life, and deserved death of Dr. John Faustus. Newly printed, and in convenient places, impertinent matter amended, accordi

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The History of the Wicked Life and Miserable End of Doctor John Faustus; Who Studying the Black-Art, and Renouncing God and Christ, Gave Himself, ...
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The History of the Wicked Life and Miserable End of Doctor John Faustus; Who Studying the Black-Art, and Renouncing God and Christ, Gave Himself, ...

The History of the Wicked Life and Miserable End of Doctor John Faustus; Who Studying the Black-Art, and Renouncing God and Christ, Gave Himself, ...

Multiple Contributors
$11.99
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The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 5 of 6
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The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 5 of 6

The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 5 of 6

Edward Gibbon
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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. by Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 6 of 6
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The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. by Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 6 of 6

The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. by Edward Gibbon, Esq; ... Volume 6 of 6

Edward Gibbon
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The History of Wat Tyler & Jack Straw. Being a Relation of Their Notorious Rebellion, Which Begun [Sic] in the Fourth Year of King Richard the Second'
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The History of Wat Tyler & Jack Straw. Being a Relation of Their Notorious Rebellion, Which Begun [Sic] in the Fourth Year of King Richard the Second'

The History of Wat Tyler & Jack Straw. Being a Relation of Their Notorious Rebellion, Which Begun [Sic] in the Fourth Year of King Richard the Second'

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$13.99
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The Life of the Late John Elwes, Esq.
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The Life of the Late John Elwes, Esq.

The Life of the Late John Elwes, Esq.

Edward Topham
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The history of Herodotus, translated from the Greek. With notes subjoined. By J. Lempriere, A.B. Vol. I. Volume 1 of 1
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The history of Herodotus, translated from the Greek. With notes subjoined. By J. Lempriere, A.B. Vol. I. Volume 1 of 1

The history of Herodotus, translated from the Greek. With notes subjoined. By J. Lempriere, A.B. Vol. I. Volume 1 of 1

Herodotus
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Genius Genuine, by Samuel Chifney, of Newmarket. a Fine Part in Riding a Race, ...
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Genius Genuine, by Samuel Chifney, of Newmarket. a Fine Part in Riding a Race, ...

Genius Genuine, by Samuel Chifney, of Newmarket. a Fine Part in Riding a Race, ...

Samuel Chifney
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Memoirs of Mrs. Coghlan, (daughter of the late Major Moncrieffe, ) written by herself, and dedicated to the British nation; being interspersed with an
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Memoirs of Mrs. Coghlan, (daughter of the late Major Moncrieffe, ) written by herself, and dedicated to the British nation; being interspersed with an

Memoirs of Mrs. Coghlan, (daughter of the late Major Moncrieffe, ) written by herself, and dedicated to the British nation; being interspersed with an

Coghlan
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$21.75
Two Tracts: Information to Those Who Would Remove to America. And, Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America by Dr. Benjamin Franklin.
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Two Tracts: Information to Those Who Would Remove to America. And, Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America by Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

Two Tracts: Information to Those Who Would Remove to America. And, Remarks Concerning the Savages of North America by Dr. Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin
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The Adventures of William Blair, a Trooper, and His Horse Pocket, &C. &C. &C.
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The Adventures of William Blair, a Trooper, and His Horse Pocket, &C. &C. &C.

The Adventures of William Blair, a Trooper, and His Horse Pocket, &C. &C. &C.

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New Travels in the United States of America. Performed in 1788. Containing the Latest and Most Accurate Observations on the Character, ... by J.P. Bri
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New Travels in the United States of America. Performed in 1788. Containing the Latest and Most Accurate Observations on the Character, ... by J.P. Bri

New Travels in the United States of America. Performed in 1788. Containing the Latest and Most Accurate Observations on the Character, ... by J.P. Bri

J. -P. Brissot de Warville
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The memorable things of Socrates: written by Xenophon. In five books. Translated into English. ... The second edition. By E. Bysshe, Gent. ...
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The memorable things of Socrates: written by Xenophon. In five books. Translated into English. ... The second edition. By E. Bysshe, Gent. ...

The memorable things of Socrates: written by Xenophon. In five books. Translated into English. ... The second edition. By E. Bysshe, Gent. ...

Xenophon
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An Authentic Narrative of Some Remarkable and Interesting Particulars in the Life of Mr. Newton. Communicated in a Series of Letters to the REV. Mr. H
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An Authentic Narrative of Some Remarkable and Interesting Particulars in the Life of Mr. Newton. Communicated in a Series of Letters to the REV. Mr. H

An Authentic Narrative of Some Remarkable and Interesting Particulars in the Life of Mr. Newton. Communicated in a Series of Letters to the REV. Mr. H

John Newton
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A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, written by himself. [Five lines from
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A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, written by himself. [Five lines from

A narrative of the most remarkable particulars in the life of James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw, an African prince, written by himself. [Five lines from

James Albert Ukawsaw Gronniosaw
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Plutarch's Lives. In six volumes. Translated from the Greek. With explanatory and critical notes, from Dacier and others; and a complete index. To whi
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Plutarch's Lives. In six volumes. Translated from the Greek. With explanatory and critical notes, from Dacier and others; and a complete index. To whi

Plutarch's Lives. In six volumes. Translated from the Greek. With explanatory and critical notes, from Dacier and others; and a complete index. To whi

Plutarch
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Plutarch's Lives. in Six Volumes. Translated from the Greek. with Explanatory and Critical Notes, from Dacier and Others; And a Complete Index. to Whi
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Plutarch's Lives. in Six Volumes. Translated from the Greek. with Explanatory and Critical Notes, from Dacier and Others; And a Complete Index. to Whi

Plutarch's Lives. in Six Volumes. Translated from the Greek. with Explanatory and Critical Notes, from Dacier and Others; And a Complete Index. to Whi

Plutarch
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A Collection of One Hundred and Fifty Select Views in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Drawn by Paul Sandby, ... = Recueil de Cent Et Cinquante
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A Collection of One Hundred and Fifty Select Views in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Drawn by Paul Sandby, ... = Recueil de Cent Et Cinquante

A Collection of One Hundred and Fifty Select Views in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. Drawn by Paul Sandby, ... = Recueil de Cent Et Cinquante

Paul Sandby
$19.99
$20.75
The History of Sir Eger, Sir Grahame, and Sir Gray-Steel Newly Corrected and Amended.
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The History of Sir Eger, Sir Grahame, and Sir Gray-Steel Newly Corrected and Amended.

The History of Sir Eger, Sir Grahame, and Sir Gray-Steel Newly Corrected and Amended.

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The Famous and Delightful History of Fortunatus, and His Two Sons: In Two Parts. ... the Fourth Edition; To Which Is Added, Several Pleasant Stories N
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The Famous and Delightful History of Fortunatus, and His Two Sons: In Two Parts. ... the Fourth Edition; To Which Is Added, Several Pleasant Stories N

The Famous and Delightful History of Fortunatus, and His Two Sons: In Two Parts. ... the Fourth Edition; To Which Is Added, Several Pleasant Stories N

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The Famous and Renowned History of the Memorable, But Unhappy Hunting of Chevy Chase. Near the River Tweed in Scotland. ...
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The Famous and Renowned History of the Memorable, But Unhappy Hunting of Chevy Chase. Near the River Tweed in Scotland. ...

The Famous and Renowned History of the Memorable, But Unhappy Hunting of Chevy Chase. Near the River Tweed in Scotland. ...

Multiple Contributors
$14.99
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[The] life of Caius Julius Cæsar: drawn from the most authentic sources of information.
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[The] life of Caius Julius Cæsar: drawn from the most authentic sources of information.

[The] life of Caius Julius Cæsar: drawn from the most authentic sources of information.

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The Plymouth-Dock guide, or, an authentic account of the rise and progress of that town, ... With a description of whatever is worthy of notice ...
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The Plymouth-Dock guide, or, an authentic account of the rise and progress of that town, ... With a description of whatever is worthy of notice ...

The Plymouth-Dock guide, or, an authentic account of the rise and progress of that town, ... With a description of whatever is worthy of notice ...

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Two voyages to Sierra Leone, during the years 1791-2-3, in a series of letters, by Anna Maria Falconbridge. To which is added, a letter from the autho
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Two voyages to Sierra Leone, during the years 1791-2-3, in a series of letters, by Anna Maria Falconbridge. To which is added, a letter from the autho

Two voyages to Sierra Leone, during the years 1791-2-3, in a series of letters, by Anna Maria Falconbridge. To which is added, a letter from the autho

A. M. Falconbridge
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The History of Thamas Kouli Kan, Schah, or Sophi of Persia. Translated from the French, of the Paris Edition.
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The History of Thamas Kouli Kan, Schah, or Sophi of Persia. Translated from the French, of the Paris Edition.

The History of Thamas Kouli Kan, Schah, or Sophi of Persia. Translated from the French, of the Paris Edition.

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$15.75
The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; Volume the first. The fourth edition. Volume 1 of 1
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The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; Volume the first. The fourth edition. Volume 1 of 1

The history of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. By Edward Gibbon, Esq; Volume the first. The fourth edition. Volume 1 of 1

Edward Gibbon
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A Treatise on the Game of Cribbage: Shewing the Laws and Rules of the Game, as Now Played at St. James's, Bath, and Newmarket. ... Composed by Several
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A Treatise on the Game of Cribbage: Shewing the Laws and Rules of the Game, as Now Played at St. James's, Bath, and Newmarket. ... Composed by Several

A Treatise on the Game of Cribbage: Shewing the Laws and Rules of the Game, as Now Played at St. James's, Bath, and Newmarket. ... Composed by Several

Anthony Pasquin
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$18.75
The life of David Hume, Esq. Written by himself.
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The life of David Hume, Esq. Written by himself.

The life of David Hume, Esq. Written by himself.

David Hume
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The West-India Atlas: Or, a Compendious Description of the West-Indies: ... by the Late Thomas Jefferys, ...
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The West-India Atlas: Or, a Compendious Description of the West-Indies: ... by the Late Thomas Jefferys, ...

The West-India Atlas: Or, a Compendious Description of the West-Indies: ... by the Late Thomas Jefferys, ...

Thomas Jefferys
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Travels Through Arabia, and Other Countries in the East, Performed by M. Niebuhr, ... Translated Into English by Robert Heron. with Notes by the Trans
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Travels Through Arabia, and Other Countries in the East, Performed by M. Niebuhr, ... Translated Into English by Robert Heron. with Notes by the Trans

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Carsten Niebuhr
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A Set of Fifty New and Correct Maps of the Counties of England and Wales, &C. with the Great Roads and Principal Cross-Roads, ... All, Except Two, Com
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A Set of Fifty New and Correct Maps of the Counties of England and Wales, &C. with the Great Roads and Principal Cross-Roads, ... All, Except Two, Com

A Set of Fifty New and Correct Maps of the Counties of England and Wales, &C. with the Great Roads and Principal Cross-Roads, ... All, Except Two, Com

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Memoirs of the life of a modern saint. Containing his adventures in England, Scotland and America.
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Memoirs of the life of a modern saint. Containing his adventures in England, Scotland and America.

Memoirs of the life of a modern saint. Containing his adventures in England, Scotland and America.

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The Conjuror's Repository; Or, the Whole Art and Mystery of Magic Displayed, by the Following Celebrated Characters: Pinetti Katterfelto Barrett Brisl
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The Conjuror's Repository; Or, the Whole Art and Mystery of Magic Displayed, by the Following Celebrated Characters: Pinetti Katterfelto Barrett Brisl

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$20.99
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A treatise on the commerce and police of the River Thames: containing an historical view of the trade of the port of London; ... By P. Colquhoun, LL.D
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A treatise on the commerce and police of the River Thames: containing an historical view of the trade of the port of London; ... By P. Colquhoun, LL.D

A treatise on the commerce and police of the River Thames: containing an historical view of the trade of the port of London; ... By P. Colquhoun, LL.D

Patrick Colquhoun
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Collections for the history of Worcestershire. ... Second edition with additions. Volume 2 of 2
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Collections for the history of Worcestershire. ... Second edition with additions. Volume 2 of 2

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Aylesbury Races. Part the First.
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Aylesbury Races. Part the First.

Aylesbury Races. Part the First.

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The Compleat Fisherman. Being a Large and Particular Account, of All the Several Ways of Fishing Now Practised in Europe; ... Collected from the Best
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The Compleat Fisherman. Being a Large and Particular Account, of All the Several Ways of Fishing Now Practised in Europe; ... Collected from the Best

The Compleat Fisherman. Being a Large and Particular Account, of All the Several Ways of Fishing Now Practised in Europe; ... Collected from the Best

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Memoirs of Field Marshal Keith: Containing the Most Remarkable Occurrences of the Wars, Wherein He Was Engaged.
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Memoirs of Field Marshal Keith: Containing the Most Remarkable Occurrences of the Wars, Wherein He Was Engaged.

Memoirs of Field Marshal Keith: Containing the Most Remarkable Occurrences of the Wars, Wherein He Was Engaged.

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The toast master: being a genteel collection of sentiments and toasts, ...
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The toast master: being a genteel collection of sentiments and toasts, ...

The toast master: being a genteel collection of sentiments and toasts, ...

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Voyages intéressans dans différentes colonies françaises, espagnoles, anglaises, &c; ... Avec des anecdotes singulières, ... Le tout rédigé & mis au j

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M. N.
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The Art of Manual Defence; Or, System of Boxing: Perspicuousley Explained in a Series of Lessons, and Illustrated by Plates. by a Pupil Both of Humphr
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The Art of Manual Defence; Or, System of Boxing: Perspicuousley Explained in a Series of Lessons, and Illustrated by Plates. by a Pupil Both of Humphr

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The history and lives of all the most notorious pirates, and their crews; from Captain Avery, who first settled at Madagascar, to Captain John Gow, ..
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The history and lives of all the most notorious pirates, and their crews; from Captain Avery, who first settled at Madagascar, to Captain John Gow, ..

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Daniel Defoe
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The history and lives of all the most notorious pirates, and their crews. In three parts. ...
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The history and lives of all the most notorious pirates, and their crews. In three parts. ...

The history and lives of all the most notorious pirates, and their crews. In three parts. ...

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The Brighthelmston directory: containing a description of that town, its soil, air, spring and mineral-waters, amusements, &c. with some account of it
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The Brighthelmston directory: containing a description of that town, its soil, air, spring and mineral-waters, amusements, &c. with some account of it

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Historical collections the fourth and last part. In two volumes. ... Containing the principal matters which happened from ... 1645, to ... 1648. ... B
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Historical collections the fourth and last part. In two volumes. ... Containing the principal matters which happened from ... 1645, to ... 1648. ... B

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John Rushworth
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