This edition was among the Burke papers belonging to Earl Fitzwilliam, and inscribed ‘Found among Mr Wm. Burke’s papers by W. Cuppage’. The contents are partly in the hand of Edmund Burke, partly in that of his kinsman William; they are poems, characters, essays and other sketches. This 1957 book contributes to our knowledge of the character and ideas of Burke. Several items show him to be, at the early stage in his life, moving towards his later characteristic way of thought. They tell us something of his material condition, his views on religion and Providence, his literary inclinations; there are a number of Burkean epigrams and aphorisms. Until the mid-twentieth century, not much was know about Burke’s youth, and it has interested historians who wish to understand his development; this edition provides helpful evidence.