Written During a Residence of Five Years

By Beatson, Alexander

London: G and W. Nicol; Pall-Mall; J. Booth, 1816. First Edition. Quarto – 28.8 cm. Half Title page, (1), Title, (1), Dedication, (1), Preface [vii-xii], Contents [xiii-xix], (1), Introduction [i-xxxvii], 1-390 pp. Mis-pagination: 301 is paginated as 013. Original dark blue-green paper covered boards with what appears to be the original printed spine label — boards are in very good condition and show what would be expected for 200 years of wear; original end leaves with no prior ownership designations, hinges and gutters holding and strong; all pages edges uncut.
Illustrated with seven aquatint plates including front piece with original tissue guard: one black-and-white engraved map of St Helena with original tissue guard, and six aquatint plates of views of the island. Engravings by Samuel Davis, an official in the East India Company and a colleague of Thomas and William Daniells, were prominent aquatinters of their time. A Rare and complete copy. Abbey Travel 312.

Alexander Beatson was an agriculturalist and officer in the East India Company’s service, and he served as governor of St. Helena, He wrote this book in an effort to alter contemporary views of the island’s fertility and potentials. At the time experts believed that St Helena was barren and with no productive potential. After spending a several years on St. Helena, Beatson became convinced that its lack of production was due to flaws in technique rather than natural endowment. In making his case, Beatson describes the history of St Helena’s geological formation, its soil and climate conditions, minerals and potential for vegetable production, as well as the qualities of the island that lend it to military purposes. Beatson’s appointment as governor of St Helena was from 1808 to 1813. During this period, Beatson introduced a better system of cultivation and made many improvements to the island of St Helena.

$2750.00 -