A MAGNIFICENT EXAMPLE of John Harris’ ‘History of Kent’. Although the title refers to five parts it was never to be completed, as it was the work was published posthumously. It is known for being one of the most illustrated of the county histories ever published. The main map itself certainly ranks as one of the best. From an early date Kent has attracted large scale maps with Philip Symonson’s large two sheet map dating back to 1596. This map is engraved by Samuel Parker and its borders are decorated with 118 coats of arms of the county’s nobility and gentry. The map itself is heavily based on that of Symonson, including roads and the table of hundreds. There are some differences in spelling and some new nomenclature. It bears a fine inset view of Dover Castle and Towne. This is the same view as that of Wenceslaus Hollar on the Symonson map, only it is reversed. This is an example of the first state of the map, although the book appeared in just the one edition the map is known in three states. ‘Dr. Harris spent eight years making collections for a History of this County; but he did not live to see the fate of his transcripts, as this first volume was published a few months after his death. What progress he had made towards his second volume, which was never published, is not known: but dying insolvent his papers were dispersed; and though every inquiry has been made after them, yet no knowledge has been gained what is become of them’ (Hasted). They mark a period of the flowering of the classic English Country house and beautifully illustrate the landscape surrounding each one. The book is also known for the prevalence of birds-eye county views of the seats of the country seats by Kip and Badeslade. Provenance: vellum bookplate pasted inside front cover ‘Vigilantibus’ is that of Archibald Acheson, 2nd Earl of Gosford, GCB (1776–1849), of Gosford Castle, Markethill, Co. Armargh, then by descent to the 4th Earl (1841–1922), who we believe sold the collection at Puttick and Simpson, 21 April to 2 May 1884. The 2nd Earl was Governor General of Canada; Sotheby’s 28.1.99 lot 689; Burden collection. Anderson p. 132; Burgess (2009) no. 32.i; ESTC N7830; Upcott (1968) I pp. 354-57; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).