YOUNG, Arthur. Travels during the Years 1787, 1788, & 1789; undertaken more particularly with a View of ascertaining the Cultivation, Wealth, Resources, and national Prosperity of the Kingdom of France. The Second Edition. London, R. Richardson [~volume II: Bury St. Edmunds, J. Rackham for R. Richardson], 1794.
Two volumes, 4to. Modern half-morocco over cloth boards, spines with raised bands and lettering-pieces; pp. viii, 629, [3, index]; [iv], 336, [4, index], three folding engraved maps, one coloured by hand, minimal spotting or toning at the beginning and end of each volume, otherwise a rather clean and fresh copy.
Second, substantially enlarged edition of this comprehensive work on the national economy of France at the eve of the French Revolution, researched by the English agricultural reformer, writer and abolitionist.
'Between 1787 and 1790 Young made three lengthy visits to France, Catalonia, and northern Italy, which resulted in his very interesting and most historically valuable book. The interest of Travels in France is enhanced by the accounts of lands that were for the most part strange to Young and unknown to many of his readers. His commentaries, in consequence, were broad in scope, and in addition to farming, described aspects - the scenery, roads, inns, manners, and the signs of wealth or poverty - which in England he would have taken for granted or passed over in a very few words. His visits to France took place in a period which saw the beginnings of the revolution, and this gives his first-hand accounts an importance which is almost as vital now as it was to those who lived through these years. Indeed, historians on both sides of the channel have drawn heavily on Young for his view of France at this critical juncture … His visits to France took place in a period which saw the beginnings of the revolution, and this gives his first-hand accounts an importance which is almost as vital now as it was to those who lived through these years. Indeed, historians on both sides of the channel have drawn heavily on Young for his view of France at this critical juncture.' (ODNB).
'Young was a pioneer in the detailed observation of economic conditions in the countryside and the collection of statistical data relating to agriculture. Although modern historians dispute the reliability of his data and the conclusions he sometimes draws from them they recognise the important work he did in beginning the modern collection and analysis of this material' (Online Library of Liberty).
Goldsmiths', 15937; Kress, B.2872.
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