The Natural History of Cornwall : The Air, Climate, Waters, Rivers, Lakes, Sea and Tides; of the Stones, Semimetals, Tin, and the Manner of Mining; the Constitution of the Stannaries; Iron, Copper, Silver, Lead, and Gold, found in Cornwall. Vegetables, Rare Birds, Fishes, Shells, Reptiles, and Quadrupeds; of the Inhabitants, Their Manners, Customs, Plays or Interludes, Exercises, and Festivals; the Cornish Language, Trade, Tenures, and Arts.
Oxford: Printed by W. Jackson, 1758. Illustrated with a new sheet map of the county (fold-out), and twenty-eight folio copper-plates from original drawings taken on the spot. First edition. Rebacked tan calf, outer dentelles, plain endpapers. Black and red spine labels. Folio. [i], xix, 326 [4]. 14.25" x 9.25" Edges and corners worn. Light scuffing to boards. Inked name to front pastedown and title page. Overall, near fine, tight and internally bright. Item #227450
William Borlase was the rector at Ludgvan, which was rich in copper, as well as mineral and metallic fossils. This sparked Borlase's interest in Cornwall's natural history, as well as starting a collection, part of which he kept at his friend Alexander Pope's grotto in Twickenham.
Borlase saw the study of his home as no less important than the observations of naturalists abroad. While Cornwall makes up a very small part of the world, its natural history is nevertheless fascinating and significant, especially to those who live there: "It matters less to strangers whether the arts in a distant county flourish, are at a stand, or decay; whether the several Natural Productions are well or ill managed, understood or not; justly estimated and disposed of, or otherwise; but these things are most proper and interesting disquisitions for the inhabitants" (v). Borlase's own care and attention to his home is proof that wonder waits, not just in far off places, but right under your nose.
Price: $1,500.00