BANCKS, John]. A History of the Life and Reign of the Czar Peter the Great, Emperor of all Russia, and Father of his country. Containing, I. His Travels, Studies, and Personal Fatigues, for the attaining of Knowledge in Civil and Military Affairs, and the Improvement of his Subjects. II. His Introduction of Arts and Sciences, a Naval Force, and Commerce with foreign Nations: Also his many Reformations in Church and State, the Army, and the Customs and Manners of his People. III. His Wars with the Swedes, Turks, Tartars, and Persians; Victories by Sea and Land; Acquisitions of Territory; and Increase of Power. IV. His Regard to Genius and Merit, with the surprizing instances of his favours to General Le Fort, Prince Menzikoff, and the Empress Catharine: And his severe Justice on Offenders, exemplified in the Proceedings against the rebellious Czarewitz. [4], 346, [14]pp index., engraved portrait frontispiece by Bickhan, junr. First edition. Contemporary calf, joints cracked but holding, spine with several vertical cracks and wear to the head and tail, and corner tips. 12mo. printed for J. Hodges, at the Looking-glass on London-Bridge. 1740. ESTC T88907. John Bancks (17091751), was born in Sonning, Berkshire, and became apprenticed to a weaver in Reading. He suffered an accident, and left the apprenticeship before completion, becoming a bookseller in Spitalfields.