The History of Kilmarnock

Archibald M'Kay Revised and Brought Down to Date by William Findlay (George Umber)

Published by Standard Printing Works, Kilmarnock, 1909

About this Item

Dark blue cloth on beveled boards with black leather at spine. Gilt decoration and lettering to spine and gilt armorial decoration to front cover. Light bumping to edges. Ink inscription on half title page reads- "To Dr. James Dunlop With the author's very kind regards. 21st Mar, 1910." Hand cut pages. Two fold-out coloured maps, one of Kilmarnock as it was in 1783, opposite page 388, and the second of Kilmarnock at it was in 1909, inside the rear cover.The 1738 map has small closed tears at the hinge. The second map is creased and has quite severe splits along the lower folds, but is complete.Otherwise generally clean and tidy, and firm, throughout. The original History was written by Archibald M'Kay in the early 1800s and first privately published in 1848. A small number of editions followed, culminating with the Fifth Edition being published in 1909. This fifth edition, regarded by many as the 'best edition' was prepared and brought 'down to date' (Findlay's words) and published in 1909. William Findlay was Archibald M'Kay's grand nephew and was a medical practitioner, who also wrote books under the nom-de-plume of 'George Umber'. As Archibald M'Kay passed in 1883 it is obvious that Findlay regarded himself as the author of this edition, hence the inscription. A lovely copy of a well written and researched town history. Seller Inventory # 001249

Bibliographic Details

Title: The History of Kilmarnock

Publisher: Standard Printing Works, Kilmarnock

Publication Date: 1909

Binding: Hardcover

Condition: Very Good

Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket

Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)

Edition: Fifth Edition