[MORTIMER, John (1656-1736)]

The Whole Art of Husbandry, Or, The Way of Managing and Improving of Land ... By J.M., Esq. F.R.S.

London: J. H. for H. Mortlock at the Phoenix, and J. Robinson at the Golden Lion, 1707. 8vo. (7 5/8 x 4 3/4 inches). [16], 609, [31] pp. Woodcut illustrations. Publisher’s advertisement on verso of final leaf.

Contemporary panelled calf, spine gilt, red morocco lettering piece.

Provenance: Admiral George Carnegie, 6th Earl of Northesk (armorial bookplate)

First edition of an influential early 18th century work on husbandry.

Mortimer's The Whole Art of Husbandry forms a landmark in English agricultural literature, and largely influenced husbandry in the 18th century. The writer, an English merchant who owned the large estate of Topping Hall, Hatfield Peverel, Essex, states that he had read the best books on ancient and modern agriculture, and inspected the practice of the most diligent husbandmen in most countries. After duly summarizing these he had added his own experiences. The book, which treats not only of the usual branches of agriculture, but also of fish ponds, orchards, and of the culture of silkworms, and the making of cider, is said by Donaldson (1854) to "form a very large advancement in the progress of agriculture from the preceding authors on the subject." The work was dedicated to the Royal Society, of which Mortimer had been admitted a member in December 1705. A second edition was issued in 1708, and a third in 1712. Not in Henrey.

Fussell I pp. 96-98; Smith et al., British Bee Books 72; Hanson 751; ESTC T72675.

Item #36878

Price: $1,850.00