Statistical Survey of the County of Clare. With Observations on the Means of Improvement; Drawn up for the Consideration, and by Direction of the Dublin Society. Dublin: Graisberry and Campbell, 1808. First Edition. Pp xxiv, 369, [13]. Contemporary full tree calf boards, gilt ruled spine with title embossed in gilt. Light shelf-wear to boards, contetns in nice bright condition.

Illustrated with a map of Co. Clare , one table showing distances & one plate illustrating the ‘Curious Monument at Kilnaboy.

One of the scarcer of the invaluable statistical surveys commissioned by the Dublin Society. Each county was surveyed with the aim of determining the ‘actual state, capabilities and defects of agriculture, manufactures and rural economy’. In practice the surveys contained a vast quantity of local information on almost every aspect of the county surveyed. Because these studies were carried out under central direction the quality of the information provided is good, and given their early date, they remain an invaluable source for the study of each county.

They record many details about conditions in pre-Famine Ireland, including social and economic conditions, the growth of population and poverty, education, religion, history, the Irish language and local customs.