Sir Andrew Balfour, Letters Writen [sic] to a Friend... Containing Excellent Directions and Advices for Travelling thro’ France and Italy... 1st Edition, 1st State

First Edition, First State (with “writen” on title-page) of this wonderfully descriptive travel book. Edinburgh: [No printer], MDCC [1700]. "8vo in half sheets, 12.1 x 7.5 cm. [xii] (of [xiv]), x, 96, 90-114, 122-274 pp. (i.e., 274 pp. of 276). Published posthumously by the author’s son from his father’s original manuscript letters, giving firsthand advice on what to see and do in England, France, and Italy, with special attention to buying natural history books. This copy with an intriguing contemporary manuscript note. Sir Andrew Balfour (1630-1694) was an important botanist, doctor, and founder of major physick gardens in Edinburgh. He wrote these letters following extensive travels on the continent, “some fifteen Years in his Travels, & Residence,” first for his own studies and then as tutor to the Earl of Ross. His account begins in England, directing the intended reader, fellow naturalist Patrick Murray, Baron of Livingstone (1632-1671), to libraries, gardens, and booksellers first, accommodations and sightseeing second. In a numbered list of sights in London, we find Westminster, the Tower, etc., even Wimbletone [sic]. From London we travel to Paris, and so forth we go through France and Italy, meeting Balfour’s esteemed colleagues in the natural sciences along the way and visiting their grand homes, all while seeking out the best books, curiosities, and research. Balfour offers practical advice, too, such as how to avoid extra baggage charges (p. 9) and getting in trouble for carrying weapons (p. 86), i.e., TSA announcements for the year 1700.

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Lacking half-title and final blank (offsetting from leather onto border of new endpapers and end matter, title-leaf chipped at margins, toned and with occasional small stains throughout, very minor worming in lower gutter of fifty pages, a few words partially obscured pp. 56-57, final leaf repaired in upper outer margin). Rebound in 20th-century tree calf with new endpapers, title gilt on spine (joints recently repaired). Front pastedown with bookseller ticket of James Miles in Leeds and description of this title (but second state), from an old catalogue. With early owner’s ink signature to title-page and draft note to title-page verso, “Jean Elphinstom/ And for to Wrete/ I thus begging your/ lordships pardon/ Anne Elphinstom/ She is that shall/ provide a lively hod[?]/ for her Seleff Magd[...]/ (le[...]/ Honoured/ & Ano.,” and on the following page, “An/ Jean/ E,” and a few other contemporary notes in text.