The Antiquities of Scotland by Francis Grose, 1789 & 1791 (2 vols)

This is a significant work in the field of 18th-century topography and archaeology.

By Francis Grose (c. 1731–1791), noted English antiquary, draughtsman, lexicographer and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA).
Published S. Hooper, No. 212 High Holborn, London in 1789 (Volume 1). A second volume followed in 1791.

Volume 1
Folding map present (hand coloured copperplate engraving). 80 engraved plates.
Foxing to prelims.
Volume 2
There are multiple different collations for this set, therefore sold as is.

The work is famous for its numerous copper-plate engravings of castles, abbeys, and ruins. Grose often sketched these himself on-site, providing a visual record of many structures that have since decayed or vanished.

While touring Scotland to collect material for this book, Grose met Scottish poet Robert Burns at Friars Carse. Their friendship led to two major cultural contributions:

1. Tam o' Shanter: Burns wrote his masterpiece poem specifically for this book. Grose agreed to include an illustration of Alloway Kirk (Burns's father’s burial place) on the condition that Burns provide a "witch story" to accompany it.

2. "Ken ye ought o' Captain Grose?": Burns also wrote several humorous poems about Grose himself, who was famously portly and jovial.

The vignette on the title page is a romanticized landscape typical of the "Picturesque" movement of the late 18th century. It features a celtic or Pictish standing stone in the foreground. Two figures in contemporary 18th-century dress (one sketching), emphasizing the "gentleman traveler" aspect of antiquarianism. A distant Scottish tower house or castle on the water.

Sold as is.

Each vol: 195 x 275

R6,500