A Natural History of Ireland in Three Parts by Several Hands. Part I. Being a true and ample description of its situation, by G. Boate; Part II. A collection of such papers as were communicated to the Royal Society, referring to … Ireland: … Part III. A Discourse concerning the Danish mounts, forts and towers in Ireland by T. Molineux. Dublin: George Grierson, at the Two Bibles in Essex-Street, 1726. First Dublin Edition. Pp iv, [4], 213]. Illustrated with 10 plates (5 folding). Original full calf, early rebacking, with raised bands & shamrock motifs to compartments. Covers scuffed, contents pages in nice bright condition.

‘A collection of such papers as were communicated to the Royal Society’ and ‘A discourse concerning the Danish mounts’ each have separate title pages dated 1726 and 1725 respectively. The first edition, entitled Irelands ‘Natural History’ was published posthumously in 1652. In 1726 it was incorporated into this edition entitled A Natural History of Ireland by Several Hands.

‘Although some of his accounts are imperfect, and his topographical errors numerous, it is wonderful that a stranger should have accomplished so much as at least run away with the honour of laying the foundation of the natural history of Ireland’ (Irish Historical Library).

Born Gerrit Boot in the Netherlands, Boate came to England in 1630 with his younger brother Arnold, they both moved in the reforming circles of the Boyle family and Samuel Hartlib. He is best known for this natural history of Ireland, despite never having visited the country. The work was apparently completed in 1645 from information gathered by his brother (who had spent eight years there practicing medicine), Sir William Parsons (surveyor-general of Ireland) and others. A French translation was published in 1666.