Arthur Young’s Tour in Ireland (1776-1779). Edited with Introduction by Arthur Wollaston Hutton. With a Bibliography by John P. Anderson of the British Museum. London: George Bell, 1892. Two Volumes. Pp xviii (1) 470, [22]; (2) vi, 401, [22]. Publisher’s maroon cloth boards, titles in gilt to spines. A nice bright set. Lacks map of Ireland to vol. one; frontispiece plate to volume two.

First published in 1780, this work is regarded as the most valuable examination ever undertaken of agriculture and social conditions in Ireland. Young’s account of urban & rural life, of farming practice, industry and politics of the country remains one of the chief authorities for Irish economic conditions in the late 18th century.

Arthur Young (1741-1820) was widely regarded by his contemporaries as the leading agricultural writer of the time. Most famous are his Tours of England, Ireland and France, which mixed travel diaries with facts, figures and critical commentary on farming practices.