This is a rare two-volume topographical work on the counties of England and Wales illustrated with copper plates maps by Emanuel Bowen. The counties are described in ‘Camden’ order beginning in the south west. The list of counties on the title page of volume II omits in error those of Huntingdonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. Benjamin Martin (1705-82) throughout his life strove to spread the new scientific knowledge and philosophy though publications, lectures and the devising of scientific instruments. The market he aimed for were like him the self-educated and his works were priced cheaply to reach a wider audience. From 1734 he ran a boarding school in Chichester and his first work was published the following year. From 1756 his was the proprietor of an instrument maker’s business in Fleet Street. He was made bankrupt 7 January 1782 and died following a suicide attempt on 9 February. This work was first issued in parts as a portion of the ‘General Magazine’ issued from 1755-64. Provenance: With eighteenth century manuscript ownership inscription of two nieces A & E Lee. Chubb 215; Hodson II no. 230; Shirley BL T.Mart 1a.