Fine Books & Manuscripts

BEATSON, Alexander, Major–General (1759–1833). Tracts Relative to the Island of St. Helena… London: printed by W. Bulmer for G. and W. Nicol; and J. Booth, 1816. 4to (279 x 225 mm). Half–title, engraved plan, 6 aquatint engravings including frontispiece after Samuel Davis; each under tissue guard as issued (light spotting). Original publisher’s drab boards, printed spine label, uncut (neatly rebacked preserving original spine and label, label a bit chipped at edges). Provenance: E. Brighton? (contemporary signature on title–page). FIRST EDITION. Alexander Beatson was an agriculturalist and officer in the East India Company’s service, and he served as governor of St. Helena, He wrote this book in an effort to alter contemporary views of the island’s fertility and potential. At the time experts believed that St Helena was barren and with no productive potential. After spending several years on St. Helena, Beatson became convinced that its lack of production was due to flaws in technique rather than natural endowment. In making his case, Beatson describes the history of St Helena’s geological formation, its soil and climate conditions, minerals and potential for vegetable production, as well as the qualities of the island that lend it to military purposes. Beatson’s appointment as governor of St Helena was from 1808 to 1813. During this period, Beatson introduced a better system of cultivation and made many improvements to the island of St Helena. Abbey, Travel 312; Gay 3088.