Early account of modern winemaking. A lovely copy, in half-red morocco of Alexander Hamilton's History of Ancient and Modern Wines. One of the first books in English to offer a detailed, country-by-country account of modern winemaking and regional variations, from France to Persia, and the Cape of Good Hope, with a section also on the history of wine production in England.

'Henderson's account of wines and wine production was based on observations made during visits to the wine-growing districts of France, Italy, and Germany, to the sherry-producing districts of Spain, and to Portugal. His remarks about wine production in Madeira show that he had visited the island. His discussion of wines of the Cape includes comments on the methods used in production, and he remarked that the only exception to their execrable quality was found in wines from farms at the foot of Table Mountain' (ODNB).

First edition; 4to (290 x 235 mm); engraved vignettes and historiated initials, title-vignette tipped-in; later half red morocco, red pebble-grain cloth, gilt spine in 6 compartments, top-edge gilt, other uncut edges, lowers spine cap chipped, edges and corners slightly rubbed, occasional light spotting, very good; xvi, [2], 308pp.

Simon 831.