The Natural History of Wiltshire (Written between 1656 and 1691)

Description:

Edited and elucidated by notes by John Britton. First edition.

Mullens & Swann p. 32; Freeman 122.

John Aubrey (1626-1697) was an English antiquary, natural philosopher and author. In 1656 Aubrey commenced work on compiling material for a natural history and antiquarian study of the county of Wiltshire. Some of his early natural history observations were read to the Royal Society in 1668 and 1675-6, but the publication was never fully completed.

John Britton (1771-1857) was an English antiquary, with a particular interest in Wiltshire. He extracted information from Aubrey’s surviving manuscripts and added his own observations and notes. Britton stated ‘Though comparatively obsolete as regards its scientific, archaeological, and philosophical information, Aubrey’s ‘Natural History of Wiltshire’ is replete with curious and entertaining facts and suggestions’ at once characterising the writer, and the age in which he lived, and illustrating the history and topography of his native county’.

Condition

4to, recent qtr leather. Occasional light foxing. Vg.