Author: Dale, Samuel:
Title: The History and Antiquities of Harwich and Dovercourt. Topographical, Dynastical and Political.
Description: London: printed for C. Davis, 1730. First edition. 4to. pp. [4], [xxiv], 464 + 14 plates (some folding). Small ink mark to title touching two words, light waterstaining at upper and lower gutter, a bit heavier to first and last couple of gatherings, edges dusty, occasional mainly marginal foxing, last two leaves a bit spotted. Contemporary polished English calf, sympathetic modern reback, spine gilt-lettered, boards and extremities rubbed. Book plate of Henry Miller dated 1885; autographs Elizth G. Mason, H.P. Bowen 1861 and Buntwood(?) to ffep; partly erased library stamp with English note on withdrawal and sale in 1962 to verso of title and p.101; later pencilled marginalia to a few leaves. The scarce first edition of this beautifully illustrated history of the antiquities and natural landscape of Harwich and Dovercourt, in Essex. Based on the unpublished historical work of the antiquary and state official Silas Taylor (1624-78), it was enlarged and revised with a very long appendix by the physician Samuel Dale (1659?–1739), who focused on the natural history of the district. Thanks to his experience as apothecary, he had a thorough knowledge of plants and his annotations elaborate on Taylor's mentions of local landscape - for instance, he discussed plants that inhabited a local cliff, adding references to other botanic works. Additional sections are devoted to fish and fossils, both - like the notes on plants - superbly illustrated with engraved specimens. ESTC T134050; Brunet 13544; Haller, Bib. botanica, 14. ESTC locates only 1 copy in the US.

Keywords: Early Printing (to c.1800, all subjects);British & Irish History & Topography


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