Readwin, [Thomas Allison] | A presentation copy of a survey of Welsh geology and the extraction of gold ore, with an autograph letter signed ("Mr. Readwin") to the Honorable James Howard

Readwin, [Thomas Allison]

The gold discoveries in Merionethshire, and a mode for its economic extraction. Manchester: A. Ireland and Co., [1860]

8vo (202 x 130 mm). 4 plates, 2 of which folding, large colored panoramic folding map of North Wales from Cader Idris “colored geographically” by Andrew C. Ramsay; very lightly toned, closed tears to plate 4, some of which neatly backed with paper, upper margin of map apparently trimmed with remnants of paper where mounted. Original pebble green cloth, green printed label and seal of the Honorable James Howard in red wax on upper cover; upper joint starting, some staining and discoloration.

[with:] Autograph letter signed (“Mr. Readwin”), to the Honorable James Howard, offering the presentation copy. 2 pages on a bifolium (page size: 182 x 114 mm) on blue paper, 4 St. George’s Square, Pimlico, 13 January 1858; two vertical folds, lightly yellowed and stained along folds and margins, [and:] tipped in panoramic view from the summit of Cader Idris; fold marks.

Presentation copy from Readwin to the Honorable James Howard, member of Parliament and Commissioner of Woods and Forests from 1851 to 1882.

Intended to be read at a meeting of the Manchester Geological Society, this paper surveys the geology of the Welsh county of Merionethshire and describes the extraction of gold ore, alongside plates of the machinery used. It appears to have been prepared for presentation by Readwin himself, as notes in the text are written in his hand.

Loosely inserted is an autograph letter signed from Readwin to Howard dated 13 January 1858, enclosing a panoramic view from the summit of Cader Idris—an uncolored version of the panorama bound in the printed work. The copy also includes three mounted satirical photographs, with captions in Readwin’s hand. One is of Thomas Bushell from a drawing in the British Museum, and the others are of Readwin working in his study.

PROVENANCE

The Honorable James Howard, Commissioner of Woods and Forests (seal in red wax to upper cover, receipt inkstamp to front endpaper dated 12 March 1860)