The history of the Orkney Islands: in which is comprehended an account of their present as well as their ancient state; together with the advantages they possess for several branches of industry, and the means by which they may be improved. Illustrated with an accurate and extensive map of the whole islands, and with plates of some of the most interesting objects they contain

Edinburgh: printed for the Author ... and sold by Archibald Constable and Company, Edinburgh; and Longman Hurst Rees & Orme, London, 1805. First edition, 4to, pp. [2], viii, 509, [3] plate list and ads; folding map and 11 engraved plates; original blue paper-covered boards, cream paper shelf-back, printed orange label on spine; small chip from the corner of the label but on the whole a very good, sound and clean copy. Barry's History contains 'a view of the ancient and modern inhabitants, their monuments of antiquity, their natural history, the present state of their agriculture, manufactures, and commerce, and the means of their improvement,' but depends also on the unpublished manuscripts of George Low. The book displays much diligent research and careful individual observation, notwithstanding the fact that he had access to the valuable manuscripts of Low, who had died without being able to find for them a publisher. Barry never sought to conceal his possession of Low's manuscripts; he refers in his 'History' to Low's 'Tour,' and possibly would have more fully acknowledged his obligations to him had he not been attacked by his last illness while the 'History' was passing through the press" (see DNB).