Modern Times, or, the Adventures of Gabriel Outcast.

A NOVEL OF EIGHTEENTH CENTURY LONDON LOW LIFE
"ALL ARE KNAVES, CHEATS AND RASCALS"
3 vols. 12mo. [4 (title & 'Advertisement'), 212; [2 (title)], 191, [1 (blank)]; [2 (title)], 207, [1 (errata)]pp., contemporary sprinkled calf, neatly and sympathetically rebacked with new spines, spines panelled by double gilt fillets, red morocco labels gilt, direct numbered gilt, original endpapers reused, clean tear (no loss) in I6 of vol.1, some minor stains, else very good.
Inscribed "H. K. Hall 1786" at head of title page.

ESTC t100116 (3 in UK, 8 in U.S.A. & 1 in Australia) Raven & Forster The English Novel 1770-1799, 1785
Trusler (1735–1820), Anglican clergyman and author in wide-ranging genres, had founded a Literary Society to promote British authors by undertaking the risks and costs of publication with the the author to receive all the profit after the society's expenses had been paid. Subscriptions were invited from the general public but the society's publicity noted that booksellers and printers could not join. "The society had its own printing house - the Literary Press - which ... seems to have been run by Trusler" [O.D.N.B.] The Literary Society published the first edition of this anonymous novel earlier in 1785. It was reprinted in Dublin in 1785 and again in London in 1786 and 1789 (a reissue?)The contemporary Monthly Review found this "A strange kind of a St. Giles Gil Blas. The Author has talents for scene-painting in low life; but the objects he exhibits are unpleasing. He seems to view mankind in a very degrading light. All are knaves, cheats and rascals; nor does he make much exception in favour of himself - the hero of the tale. He passes through almost every rank of human society; and he behaves like a sorry fellow in most of them" [quoted by Raven].