Book Description

First editions. Volume I Printed for the Heirs of Charles Elliot; and C. Elliot and T. Kay, T. Cadell, and G. G. J. & J. Robinsons. Edinburgh. 1790. Volume II Printed for Bell and Bradfute et al. Edinburgh. 1799. Two volumes. Quarto. xiii, (1), 547pp; xii, 515pp. Later Quarter calf, marbled boards, spines in six compartments, with gilt rules and lettering. Tiny marginal corner loss I, xiii, light marginal stain to I, 544-7, II, 1-10. A handsome set. William Smellie (1740-1795), Naturalist, Antiquary, Master Printer, Compiler of the first edition of the Encyclopedia Britannica, founder of the Newtonian Society, member of the Scottish Enlightenment. As a master printer he printed works by David Hume, Adam Smith, William Robertson, Adam Fergusson, James Beattie, Joseph Black, James Hutton and his great friend, Robert Burns. ODNB. ESTC: T306102, T106301. Freeman 3437.
Author Smellie, William
Date 1790, 1799
Binding Quarter calf, marbled boards
Publisher Printed for the Heirs of Charles Elliot; and C. Elliot and T. Kay, T. Cadell, and G. G. J. & J. Robinsons; Printed for Bell and Bradfute

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