Observations on a Tour of the Highlands and Part of the Western Isles of Scotland, T. Garnett, 2 Vols bound as one, 1800

Observations on a Tour of the Highlands and Part of the Western Isles of Scotland by Thomas Garnett is one of the most substantial illustrated Scottish tour books of the late eighteenth century, recording a journey through the Highlands and Western Isles. First published in 1800, the work combines Garnett’s observational and scientific interests with a remarkable series of aquatint plates after drawings made on the spot by William Henry Watts. Issued in two volumes but often found bound as one, the book is particularly valued for its large-scale format, detailed topographical content, and extensive illustration, and remains a key visual and descriptive record of Scotland at the turn of the nineteenth century.

Observations on a Tour of the Highlands and Part of the Western Isles of Scotland, Particularly Staffa and Icolmkill: To Which are Added, A Description of the Falls of the Clyde, of the Country Round Moffat, and an Analysis of its Mineral Waters. In Two Volumes (bound as one). By T. Garnett, M.D. Illustrated by a Map and Fifty Two Plates, engraved in the Manner of Aquatints, from Drawings taken on the Spot by W. H. Watts, Miniature and Landscape Painter, who accompanied the author on his tour.

Printed by Luke Hansard, Great Turnstile, Lincoln's-Inn Fields, for T. Cadell, Junior, & W. Davies, in The Strand, London, 1800 first edition.

A good (+) full contemporary leather hardback with blind stamped tooled borders, and raised bands to spine, with gilt morocco title labels, and blind tooled decoration. Covers with shelf wear, some sun marks, and some light soiling. Joints with some wear and the front cover joint is split and largely held by cords. This is the principal flaw in the book - the front cover joint would benefit from strengthening/restoration.

Provenance: Inside front cover with the armorial bookplate of Sir Thomas Munro (1761–1827), Governor of Madras, bearing the Munro family motto “Dread God” and the place-name “Badamy”, associated with his service in India.

Endpapers with some age spotting. Original silk page marker ribbon present, but detached. The text pages are generally very good indeed - bright and clean throughout and the Plates are simply outstanding. There is offsetting on the text pages opposite Plates, as would normally be the case.

All Plates and the Map have been collated and are as expected.