Descriptions and Sketches of some Remarkable Oaks, in the Park at Welbeck, in the County of Nottingham, A Seat of His Grace the Duke of Portland. To Which are Added, Observations on the Age and Durability of that Tree. With remarks on the Annual Growth of the Acorn
London: Printed by J. Nichols, For the Author, 1790. First Edition. Quarto, 23 pages plus 10 full-page black-and-white engravings. Period paper covered boards. Hayman Rooke’s Descriptions and Sketches of Some Remarkable Oaks, in the Park at Welbeck is an important late eighteenth-century work of English natural history, topography, and arboriculture, devoted to the ancient and celebrated oak trees of Welbeck Park in Nottinghamshire, the seat of the Duke of Portland. Published in 1790, the book records the appearance, size, age, and character of notable individual trees, accompanied by engraved plates after Rooke’s own drawings. More than a simple estate description, the work reflects early scientific and antiquarian interest in the longevity, growth, and cultural significance of English oaks, including trees associated with Sherwood Forest and the wider landscape of Nottinghamshire. A desirable title for collectors of natural history, forestry, dendrology, English country-house history, Nottinghamshire topography, and illustrated eighteenth-century books. Lacks free endpapers, wear to the boards, some discoloration and foxing, rubbing along corners and edges, else in good + condition. Item #394
Price: $1,000.00