Quarto. 18pp. Disbound. Later naive paper repair to spine, some spotting.

A rare copy of a poem by Peter Oliver on the 'Restoration of His Majesty's Health', allegedly composed 'when the author was under a strong Presentiment of his recovery', and published 'after the Restoration of Health to His Majesty was announced to the Public'. 'His Majesty' is King George III, the 'Mad King', a title which flattens the challenges, both emotional and practical, endured by the King and his family as his condition worsened.

King George's illness has been subject to various degrees of modern 'diagnosis', including 'arsenic poisoning, porphyria and most recently bi-polar disorder' (HRP), but the complexities of his condition mean that such blanket labels can diminish the profound effect his illness had on his family, the nation, and the crown. He was subject to intense and intrusive treatment which ranged from cupping and emetics to the 'Moral Method', a system of stern words and punishments which sought to break the King's will.

ESTC records copies at just two locations (Birmingham and William Salt Library).