[Campbell, Thomas]. A Philosophical Survey of the South of Ireland. In a Series of Letters to John Watkinson, M.D. First Edition. Dublin, Printed for W. Whitestone, W. Sleater, D. Chamberlaine et al. 1777. 20.5 x 12.5 cm. xvi, 478 pages. Engraved frontispiece plus five further plates, two of which are folding. Plate 3 (Rock of Cashel, folding) appears to be a later facsimile. Contemporary calf. Gilt decorations, title label and five raised bands. Very good condition. Binding rubbed and bumped. Spine decorations and label worn. Edges and end papers dust dulled. Armorial Ex Libris of previous owner (‘Thomas Bond’) on front paste down. Internally occassional mild foxing and damp staining. Overall a sturdy clean copy.

The author, Thomas Campbell, was born in county Tyrone in 1733. He studied at Trinity College Dublin (B.A. & M.A.) and took orders in 1761. The ‘Philosophical Survey was published in 1778. Boswell thought the survey ‘a very entertaining book, which has, however, one fault – that it assumes the fictitious character of an Englishman’. This is not a ‘philosophy’, but the description of a journey through the south of Ireland, with a description of the main towns in the area. Thomas Campbell died in 1795.

• Keywords: Archeology & Antiquities · Classical & Old Literature · History · History & Culture · History of Ireland · Ireland · Irish Art · Irish Literature · Philosophy
• Language: English
• First edition
• Inventory Number: 102439AB

Our price: EUR 280,--