Author: HENDERSON (Alexander Farquharson):
Title: The History of Ancient and Modern Wines.
Description: London: Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy..., 1824. FIRST EDITION. Large 4to, 270 x 21 mms., pp. xvi, 408, including half-title, with 8 engraved vignettes in text and 24 engraved initials, all on vinous themes, folding Appendix leaf between pages 380 and 381, 19th century half plum calf, with straight morocco centre, gilt borders on covers, spine gilt, red morocco label; upper front joint slightly cracked, some other slight wear, but a very good copy, with note in pencil on verso of front free end-papers and two bookplates Henderson (1779/80–1863) was born in Aberdeen, where he had his early school; he later attended the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated M. D. in 1803. Oxford DNB notes "The work for which Henderson is best-known is his History of Ancient and Modern Wines (1824), an elegant book embellished by engravings of classical figures, grapes, and garlands. Henderson's account of wines and wine production was based on observations made during visits to the wine-growing districts of France, Italy, and Germany, to the sherry-producing districts of Spain, and to Portugal. His remarks about wine production in Madeira show that he had visited the island. His discussion of wines of the Cape includes comments on the methods used in production, and he remarked that the only exception to their execrable quality was found in wines from farms at the foot of Table Mountain. Henderson's copy of Edward Barry's Observations Historical, Critical and Medical on the Wines of the Ancients (1775) is extensively annotated and appears to form the basis for his own book." Gabler G-23790.

Keywords: wine travel prose


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