Edward Bancroft (1744–1821)

One of those novels that deserves much more attention than it gets. Published in 1770 and reprinted only very rarely since, Bancroft's novel offers a notable mid-eighteenth century perspective on English colonialism, religious principle and practice, slave culture, natural history, and more.

Slightly picaresque, with a few ridiculous elements and some really creaky spots in the narrative, but also in places quite profound and fascinating. The (anonymous) author, Edward Bancroft, was a very interesting fellow in his own right (if interested, Thomas Schaeper's biography of him is excellent; that's what prompted me to seek out this book).… (mere)