first edition
1818 · Woburn
by [Dodd, Stephen]
Woburn: published and sold by S. Dodd; sold also by the booksellers in the neighbouring towns; and Baldwin, Cradock and Joy, London. S. Manning, printer, Newport, 1818. First edition, 12mo, pp. xvi, [1], 18-140, [2] ads; 2 plates showing "Woburn Abbey," and "Woburn Church"; hand-colored crest on title page; original drab paper-covered boards, printed paper label on spine; a few spots on the binding but overall very good and sound. Early ownership signature of G. W. Platt. The earliest guide to Woburn and Woburn Abbey, seat of the Dukes of Bedford. In addition to sections noted on the title, this work also contains a list of subscribers, "Stanzas on the Russell Family," and appendices charmingly recording some of the minutiae of Woburn life: public offices with names of agents, societies, the Woburn coach schedule, and local inns. Woburn was best known for its annual sheep-shearing festivities and the abundance of fullers earth found in its soils; both essential elements of the English textile industry. There are also some anonymous poems by Jeremiah Holmes Wiffen (1792-1836), librarian to the 6th Duke.
(Inventory #: 66656)