An Account of the Islands of Orkney. To which is Added, an Essay concerning the Thule of the Ancients

James Wallace

Published by Jacob Tonson, London, 1700

About this Item

A very good copy of what is probably the earliest published account of the Orkney Islands, in contemporary full leather binding, with newer spine, and with folding map and plate. The work was originally written by James Wallace (1642-1688) who was a Minister - initially in Ladykirk and then Kirkwall. The manuscript, complete with his drawings, was prepared for publication after his death by one of his sons - also James - who was a botanist. It was published in 1693 under the title of 'A description of the Isles of Orkney', and included an essay on Thule credited to Sir Robert Sibbald. This account was published by James 7 years later, under his own name (and claiming the title of FRS - although he did not hold it). It is largely the same as the previous work, but it adds a section on plants and shells. It was dedicated to the Earl of Dorset and mentions neither his father, nor Sir Robert Sibbald. So this book, although the first to be called 'An Account' is largely a 2nd edition of the work. This copy is in a contemporary panelled calf binding with newer spine which has gilt-lined raised bands and blind stamped decoration and title label. The boards have some scuffing and wear to corners and edges. There is a small darker mark on the back board. The binding is sound and clean. Internally the endpapers have been replaced. Contents with folding map; title (small set of initials at the top); dedication 3 pp; contents list 4 pp; errata 1 p; text pp 1-147; Essay concerning Thule. pp 148-182 Finis; plate bound at the rear. The contents are very clean with light toning towards page edges and occasional old annotation. On p 72 the word 'wrack' has been crossed out and 'seaweed' written in the margin. The map has a very small repair at the attachment and p 115/5 has lost the bottom corner tip. Seller Inventory # 032996

Bibliographic Details

Title: An Account of the Islands of Orkney. To ...

Publisher: Jacob Tonson, London

Publication Date: 1700

Binding: Full-Leather

Illustrator: James Wallace

Condition: Very Good