An Account of the Islands of Orkney. To which is Added, an Essay concerning the Thule of the Ancients by James Wallace - 1700

London: Jacob Tonson, 1700 A very good copy of what is probably the earliest published account of the Orkney Islands, in contemporary full leather binding with folding map and plate. The work was originally written by James Wallace (1642-1688) who was a Minister - initially in Ladykirk and then Kirkwall. The manuscript, complete with his drawings, was prepared for publication after his death by one of his sons - also James - who was a botanist. It was published in 1693 under the title of 'A description of the Isles of Orkney', and included an essay on Thule credited to Sir Robert Sibbald. This account was published by James 7 years later, under his own name (and claiming the title of FRS - although he did not hold it). It is largely the same as the previous work, but it adds a section on plants and shells. It was dedicated to the Earl of Dorset and mentions neither his father, nor Sir Robert Sibbald. So this book, although the first to be called 'An Account' is largely a 2nd edition of the work. This copy is in a contemporary full leather binding which has had the spine replaced. The original boards are sound with some scuffing and marking. The new spine has raised bands and a red title label. The endpapers have been replaced. Contents: initial blank (with some old notes to the top); tipped-in page of old notes hand written; title page with some initials at the base; dedication to the Earl of Dorset 3pp; Contents 4pp; corrections 1p; fold out map; text pp 1-147 with folding plate; Essay on Thule pp 148-182; Finis. The contents are very clean and in very good condition. The paper is toned. The plate has a small repaired edge tear. There is some scholarly annotation and the occasional underlining.