Eight Engravings of the Ruins occasioned by the Great Fires in Edinburgh on the 15th, 16th and 17th November 1824. Published for the benefit of the sufferers.

Bookseller Notes

The Great Fire of Edinburgh, which broke out in an engraving workshop in the Old Assembly Close, and lasted, in all, for five days, proved to be one of the most significant fires in Edinburgh's history, destroying 400 homes with the loss of 13 lives. Although the newly formed fire brigade was criticised in the immediate aftermath, it soon became clear that the nature of the narrow alleyways and scarcity of firecocks had made their task extremely difficult. The devastation caused is quite apparent from Hall's drawings, but the clearing of Parliament Square did allow for a restructuring of the area, originally proposed in 1807.Titles of the plates: 1. State of the Parliament Square at Day-Break on Wednesday the 17th Novr. 1824 2. Con's Close. 17th Nov. 1824, spot where three men were crushed to death. 3. In the Old Assembly Close. 4. View from the Old Fish Market Close. 5. General View of the Ruins, Friday 19th Novr. 1824, folding. 6. Preparations for Pulling Down the Great Gable. Friday Evening 19th Novr. 7. Remnant of the Great Gable - The Highest in Edinr...at One O'Clock on Saturday 20th Novr, folding. 8. Appearance of the Ruins on the Eastern Side of the Parliament Square the instant after the Mines were Sprung at Noon on Saty. 20th Novr. 1824.A rather pleasing association copy, since the brother of James Hall (talented amateur artist, patron and friend of Sir David Wilkie), Captain Basil Hall, who commanded a series of ships involved in exploration and scientific missions, was well acquainted with Captain Henry Kater and William Hyde Wollaston who both served served on the Board of Longitude from 1818 to 1825.