Description
From the library of Commodore Edward Preble, an early edition of An Account of the Present State of Hebrides and Western Coasts of Scotland.
Octavo, [6], clxv, 452pp. Bound in full calf, title in gilt on red morocco label on spine. Front cover split at hinge, still secure. Otherwise solid text block with rubbing to corners and faint foxing along a few leaves. Includes large fold-out map opposite title page in very good condition with faint toning and a closed tear along the bound-in leaf. Map is engraved with full view of Scotland and surrounding islands. Housed in a custom half-calf slipcase with matching chemise. Signed by the previous owner, Commodore Edward Preble, on the title page. Preble’s son’s name, Edward D. Preble, is stamped on front cover.
James Anderson was a Scottish farmer who agreed to survey the fisheries of Scotland when requested to do so by Pitt. Reportedly he was a proven economist as well being one of the first to present the theory of rent. According to the title page and introduction he was a prolific writer, having authored the Interest of Great Britain with regard to her American Colonies considered, Observations on the Means of exciting a spirit of National Industry and A Proposal for Establishing the Northern British Fisheries.
