£650.00
Author: Thomas Pennant
Publisher: London Benjamin and John White, Fleet-Street and Robert Faulder, New Bond-Street, 1793
First edition. Aquatint portrait frontispiece after Gainsborough, engraved view of Fountains Abbey, engraved portrait of The Rev. John Lloyd, and hand-coloured engraving The Church Militant (this often missing).
From the library of Sir James King with his ownership signature. Sir James King, 1st Baronet, FRSE (13 July 1830 – 1 October 1911) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Glasgow 1886 to 1889. He was Director of the Clydesdale Bank for over forty years. He was also Chairman of the Caledonian Railway Company.
4to., contemporary half calf over marbled boards, spine with raised bands gilt and leather label. Binding slightly rubbed and darkened on spine, a little occasional browning, otherwise a very good copy.
Thomas Pennant (14 June OS 1726 – 16 December 1798) was a Welsh naturalist, traveller, and writer. As an antiquarian, he amassed a considerable collection of art and other works, largely selected for their scientific interest. Many of these works are now housed at the National Library of Wales.
The Advertisement 'signed' by Pennant in dotted letters gives this announcement - 'The title-page announces the termination of my authorial existence, which took place on March 1st. 1791 [in fact, Pennant died in December 1798]. Since that period, I have glided through the globe a harmless sprite; have pervaded the continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and described them with the same authenticity as Gemelli Carceri, or many other travellers, ideal or real, who are to this day read with avidity, and quoted with faith.'
The Appendix reprints 8 Tracts, notable amongst which is 'Of the Patagonians', first issued in 1788 and limited to 40 copies.
Also, Free Thoughts on the Militia Laws. A Letter from a Welsh Freeholder to his Representative. A Letter on the Ladies Affectation of the Military Dress. On Imprudency of Conduct in Married Ladies. Flintshire Petition in 1779. A Letter to a Member of Parliament on Mail Coaches. Of the Loyal Associations of the present Year, in Flintshire.