Meager, Leonard

[GARDENING] The New Art of GARDENING, WITH THE Gardener's Almanack:; The true Art of GARDENING in all its Particulars. I. The Site of a proper Plat of Ground... The Art of making Cyder, Perry, and Wines of divers Sorts of Fruits. II. Of the Kitchen-Garden... III. Of the Flower-Garden...IV. Of Greens.. To each Head is added an Almanack, Shewing what is to be done every Month in the year.

London: Printed for Peter Parker, at the Leg and Star, over-against the Royal-Exchange in Cornhill, 1699. Hardcover. [4], 160, [4] pages. 15 x 9.5 cm. Leonard Meager (c.1624 - c.1704) was a private estate gardener who gained practical experience working on private estates, most notably in Northamptonshire. Meager's book stands out for its practical approach. He drew heavily from his own experiences and those of other working gardeners. The monthly almanac format was especially popular, as it allowed gardeners to plan their work according to the seasons - an innovation that influenced later gardening literature. His influence extended even to the American colonies where his works were valued by early settlers. Pages 91 & 92 are misnumbered as 92 & 93, similarly pages 94 & 95. Early ownership inscription on title page and verso of cover. First published in 1697, and present copy, then 1699, 1707, 1713, 1718, and 1720. Some margins are very close. Small amount of annotations. Pages are toned around the edges, especially first and last four, some wear to title-page gutter margin. Covers heavily worn with small loss to head and tail of spine. Hinges cracked but holding well. Full contemporary calf. Good. Item #4623

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