The Rural Economy of the West of England: including Devonshire; and Parts of Somersetshire, Dorsetshire, and Cornwall. Together with Minutes in Practice

Double-page frontis. map. 1 p.l., xxxiv, 332 pp.; xxiv, 358, [3] pp. Two vols. 8vo, cont. mottled calf, floral fillet round sides, flat spines gilt, red & green morocco lettering pieces on spines. London: G. Nicol et al., 1796.

First edition and a lovely set of the penultimate survey undertaken by Marshall of the farming practices of six different regions of England.

“Modern agricultural historians have generally held that Marshall’s works on English farming are superior to those of his rival, Arthur Young, as they are more systematically arranged and based on a more thorough knowledge of a district by personal residence there. (truncated) Unlike Young, Marshall was cautious about experimentation, preferring rather to advocate the best practices approved by experienced farmers. On the other hand, he lacked Young’s pithy and more readable style, and acquired fewer close contacts with the leading farming figures of the time. Marshall’s career, indeed, suffered in some degree from his native bluntness and acid tongue, his pride, and his sensibility to slights. Nevertheless, from the independence of his views arose his remarkably early support for agricultural education, and his belief in the necessity of studying agriculture on a regional basis, both of which were ideas well before their time.”–ODNB.

Fine set. (Inventory #: 2741)