BROOKE (T.H.)

A History of the Island of St. Helena,

from its discovery by the Portuguese to the year 1806. First edition. Engraved frontispiece, 8vo., half title, [xvi, 409, 6pp. ads, original tan paper spine over grey paper boards, fore and lower edges untrimmed, a few gatherings unopened. London, printed for Black, Parry, and Kingsbury, 1808.

£350.00

An excellent copy of the first comprehensive history of the island, the author being the Government Secretary, not at all put out by being posted so far from home, indeed expressing his pride in the island as ‘an important and essential part of the British Empire’. Not all was perfect for Brooke, who held a very low opinion of the island clergy, describing them as ‘insubordinate, profligate, disrespectful insolent sots and liars’. During Brooke’s time on the island it was notable for some early experiments in conservation, particularly reforestation, and attempts to artificially stimulate rainfall.

Some minor wear to the corners, the boards lightly rubbed.

Stock No.
198352