This is a rare two-volume topographical work on the counties of England and Wales illustrated with copper plate 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 new scientific knowledge and philosophy though publications, lectures and the devising of scientific instruments. The market he aimed for was like him 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: manuscript ownership inscription to front free endpapers of both volumes ‘Frank Wilder Sewell Trinity College’; bookplate of F. Arthur Wadsworth dispersed 1994; private English collection. Chubb 215; Hodson II no. 230; Shirley BL T.Mart 1a.