WOOLMAN, John.

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The Works. First edition, the first published collection of the writings of an American author, collecting the works of the Quaker preacher, vegetarian, and abolitionist John Woolman. The Works were published posthumously and include the first appearance of his Journal, "an autobiographical masterpiece, rivalled in 18th century America only by that of Franklin" (Howes).John Woolman (1720-1772) was esteemed by many of his reformist contemporaries for his concern for animals, the poor, native Americans, and enslaved persons. He was further praised in the 19th century, and Charles Lamb, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and G. M. Trevelyan all wrote favourably of him. "His writings, especially his Journal, were even more popular in England than America and have proved to be a spiritual and moral treasure that have had a growing influence upon successive generations" (ANB). The Journal remains in print by Quaker publishers today. So too is he recognized as an important figure in the animal rights movement - "Next to Francis of Assisi, Woolman has become probably the most quoted religious spokesperson for animal concern" (ODNB).Included in The Works is Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, first published in two parts in 1754 and 1762. "The first presented Woolman's moral objections to slavery; the second contested rationalizations for slaveholding and implicated slaveowners in the transatlantic commerce in 'fellow creatures'. Both essays helped launch Quaker abolitionism in the United

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