Laurence, Edward
The Duty and Office of a Land Steward: Represented under Several Plain and Distinct Articles; Wherein May Be Seen the Indirect Practices of Several Stewards, tending to Lessen, and several Methods likely to Improve their Lords Estates
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Seller ID: 780 London: J. and J. Knapton, et al., 1731. Second edition, 'with Alterations and Additions' (xxiv, 296). Tall octavo in full leather, ruled gilt decoration to cover and spine, title label largely gone. Folding plate showing proper hedge trimming, planching (small tape repair). Laurence 'was probably Agent to the Duke of Buckingham...[and] jealous of the professional status of his Stewartry...[and] believed in consolidating small holdings into larger farms and suggested[ed] means of getting rid of the smaller tenants' (Fussell). The book is organized as a series of maxims, each accompanied by an explanation of the principle it expresses. So, for example, Article IV directs the steward 'to make himself Master of the Method that every Tenant takes, to raise his Lord's Rent, as well as to provide for his Family,' and to that end 'a Steward should ride over the whole Estate at least once a Month, in order to view both the Lands and the Stock of the Tenants.' One gets the feeling Buckingham's tenants were less than happy at the prospect of a monthly visit from Laurence. Occasional patches of damp-stain in the text, a single small worm hole in the topmost inside corner, repaired joints; nevertheless, quite sound. A scarce book. Price: $408.00
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