Statistical Survey of the County of Antrim. With Observations on the Means of Improvement; Drawn up for the Consideration, and by Direction of the Dublin Society. Dublin: Graisberry and Campbell, 1812. First Edition. Ppxxiii, 630, [112] Appendices. Handsomely bound in half calf, over marbled boards. Spine with raised bands gilt rules, leather title labels in gilt to 2nd and 4th compartments. Ex library stamp to title page; small circular repair to preface page affecting two-lines of text. Generally a very good copy.

Illustrated with folded map of Co Antrim and twelve plates (most folded) in the general text and five plates in Appendices.

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.