971J Morton, John, 1671?-1726.

The natural history of Northampton-Shire; with some account of the antiquities. To which is annex’d a transcript of Doomsday-Book, so far as it relates to that county. By John Morton M. A. Rector of Oxendon in the same County, and Fellow of the Royal Society: Formerly of Emanuel-College in Cambridge.

London : printed for R. Knaplock, and R. Wilkin at the King’s-Head, in St. Paul’s Church-Yard, MDCCXII. [1712]  Price $4,500

An open historical book page featuring illustrations of various shells and marine fossils, with descriptive text on the left side.

                                                                                                                                                    

Folio35 x 22 cm. Signatures: Signatures: A2,(a)2,B-Z2,Aa-Zz2, Aaa-Zzz2, Aaaa-Zaaa2,Aaaaa-Zzzzz2,Aaaaaa-Zzzzzz2, Aaaaaaa2 (a)-(o)2 14plates & map. Bound in contemporary paneled calf and repacked later morocco with decoratively blind-embossed calf boards raised bands gilt decoration and lettering on spine all edges red speckled, bookplate and small stamps for the Law Society armorial bookplate for :

An engraving of a coat of arms featuring ornate decorations, including a knight's helmet, floral elements, and a hand symbol. The text at the bottom identifies it as belonging to Sir John Percivale Baronet of Burton in County Cork, Ireland, dated 1700.

“St. John Percivale Baronet of Burton in the County of Cork in Ireland” on verso of title-page. John Perceval, 1st Earl of Egmont (1683‒1748), represents an early interest among Ireland’s aristocracy in creating better living conditions for people in British prisons. Perceval worked closely with James Oglethorpe on this issue, ultimately helping to establish the American colony of Georgia in 1732 as a haven for English subjects who had been imprisoned for debt. In 1700 he undertook a carefully planned tour of England, and in 1701 he was elected a fellow of the Royal Society.

There is some minor spotting to end-papers slight marginal browning not affecting text, small tear in centre fold of map repaired. This is an extremely rare item in fine condition internally.   First edition of Morton’s systematic natural history of Northamptonshire. Compiled over the course of a decade, Morton’s Natural History provides a careful account of the natural history, minerals, fossils, and geography of the county, accompanied by fourteen large copper-engravings. Though he limited his research strictly to Northamptonshire, Morton built on correspondence with Ray, Sloane, Nicolson, and others, subsequently gave nearly one thousand of his specimens to Sloane.

This book also includes a transcript of the Northamptonshire entries from Domesday Book, William the Conqueror’s great survey of England completed in 1086. At the time Morton published his work, Domesday Book remained an archival manuscript known chiefly through limited antiquarian extracts and private transcripts; the first official printed edition would not appear until 1783. Morton therefore provided readers with unusually direct access to one of the foundational documents of English history, extending his account of Northamptonshire from contemporary observation back to the Norman Conquest itself.

 Hanson, 1550; ESTC T147393, https://datb.cerl.org/estc/T147393

An antique map of Northamptonshire, England, featuring detailed geographical features, towns, and landmarks, with an ornate border and illustrations at the corners.
Illustration of various fossilized ammonite shells arranged in a grid on a page, with numbered labels from 1 to 11, and a decorative title section at the bottom referencing the work of G. M. Masters.
A scientific illustration featuring various geological specimens including pieces of wood and rock, accompanied by labeled diagrams and a decorative emblem at the bottom.
An illustrated plate featuring various types of coral and shell specimens, numbered 1 to 12, with an ornate cartouche at the bottom dedicating the work to the Duke of Bedford.
An open vintage book page displaying an illustration of various seashells alongside text descriptions, with detailed engravings of the shells and their corresponding numbered labels.
An illustration featuring various birds in different positions, including a close-up of a bird's foot and a depiction of bird anatomy.
An intricate black and white illustration of a decorative textile pattern with geometric shapes, accompanied by five numbered figures depicting various small objects, including round shapes and a coat of arms at the bottom.
An illustration showing various botanical elements including a leaf, three types of flowers, a brain-like structure, and a decorative coat of arms.
An engraved illustration displaying various shells and echinoderms, numbered from 1 to 30, with intricate details and textures, along with a decorative coat of arms and inscription at the bottom.

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