GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1774   A very nice and extremely popular magazine from the "mother country" just months before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.
A report which begins: "Came on to be heard before the Privy Council, the merits of a petition presented some time ago by Dr. Franklin, Agent for the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England, setting forth that the people of that province had no longer any confidence in their Governor; that they consider him an enemy to the province..." and further on is: "...Dr. Franklin is displaced from the office of Deputy Post-Office Master General for the Colonies, and the petition...dismissed..." (see for full text).
There is also a long and stirring letter from America arguing against the American Revenue act, the duty on tea (which resulted in the Boston Tea Party), the rights of Americans, etc. (see for portions)
News from America reports that the Government House in New York had burnt down, and strangely enough a Supreme Court judges house also burnt down, both by "accident" (see).
There is a lengthy and interesting article on Captain Cook's discovery of Australia which takes over 5 pages (see for portions). One significant portion reads: "...it having yielded little else, except fresh water and fish, they gave it the name of Botany Bay, and on the 6th of May they weighed anchors & departed..." (see).
Included is a full page plate with a somewhat small print of M. de Voltaire with a related article: "Memoirs of the Life & Writings of M. de Voltaire" (see for portions).
Complete in 48 pages, measures 5 1/4 by 8 1/2 inches, with full title/contents page. Great condition. The other plate called for is not present.