DONALDSON, James.

Small 8vo (in 4s), pp. (xvi), 136. Contemporary calf panelled in gilt with black centre, spine gilt (rebacked preserving most of the original backstrip, and corners repaired), gilt edges. A few gatherings a little browned but a nice copy. Engraved bookplate of Ernest Ridley Debenham.

Second edition (?; see below). The first printed work on agriculture in Scotland. “Husbandry Anatomized…is a rare little book published in Edinburgh in 1697. A high estimation has always been placed upon this work, as a valuable production of that early time, and it is considered fully equal to anything of that kind that had appeared to date. Copies are exceedingly scarce…” (McDonald). The author of Donaldson’s entry in the ODNB comments that it was “unduly neglected”, and that “it contained a programme for improved farming in advance of current thought, his most innovative proposal being for the use of potatoes as a field crop.” At that time potatoes were an unusual crop. Donaldson, most of whose family details are gleaned from the dedication to this book, was also editor of the first newspaper in Scotland to have had any long-term continuity. A single copy of an edition or issue dated 1696 is recorded by Wing and ESTC in the Signet Library, Edinburgh. No other details are given, and the copy is not to be found, unfortunately making comparison with the present copy impossible. Wing D1853. Fussell, Old English Farming Books, p. 84, stating in error that this book is in two volumes. McDonald, Agricultural Writers, includes Donaldson’s book among the early “examples of excellence” (and not just in the bibliographical list), pp. 142–143.