Kiøbenhavn, Johan Frederik Schultz, 1795.
8vo. Bound in a slightly later half calf binding with gilt lines to spine. Some wear to capitals. Contemporary signature to title-page (H. H. Møller) and later signature to front free endpaper (N. Warburg). Johan Levin's exlibris to pasted down front endpaper. The first and last leaves professionally reinforced to inner margin. A few scattered brownspots, otherwise internally clean. X,79 pp.
First edition of this important work in the struggle of freedom of speech in Denmark. Bound with P. A. Heiberg's poem, for which he was prosecuted: "Vor Klub er dog en herlig Sag" published in Nummer 43, 1794 of "Den danske Tilskuer".
In the poem Heiberg criticizes the British prime minister William Pitt for shutting down the public clubs ("At rive Folkets Klubber ned"). Heiberg was prosecuted by P. F. Skibsted and ordered to pay a fine. The following year Heiberg published the documents of the case with and introduction and satirical comments (Procedure og Dom...).
These two works constitute an important contribution to the history of freedom of speech in Denmark.
Order-nr.: 57820