Mottled calf binding. Red title plate with gilt banding and title.

It is the intent of F.B.A. to provide an in-depth photographic presentation of this book offered so to almost stimulate your feel and touch on the book. If requested, more traditional book descriptions are immediately available.

A well-preserved copy of a scarce book

 A Summary of Geography and History, both ancient and modern

Alexander Adam (24 June 1741 – 18 December 1809) was a Scottish teacher and writer on Roman antiquities. Alexander Adam was born near Forres, in Moray, the son of a farmer. From his earliest years he showed uncommon diligence and perseverance in classical studies, notwithstanding many difficulties and privations. In 1757 he went to Edinburgh, where he studied at the University of Edinburgh. His reputation as a classical scholar secured him a post as assistant at Watson’s Hospital and the headmastership in 1761.

In 1764 he became private tutor to Alexander Kincaid, afterwards Lord Provost of Edinburgh, by whose influence he was appointed in 1768 to the rectorship of the High School on the retirement of Mr Matheson, whose substitute he had been for some time before. From this period, he devoted himself entirely to the duties of his office and to the preparation of his numerous works on classical literature. His popularity and his success as a teacher are strikingly illustrated by the great increase in the number of his pupils, many of whom subsequently became distinguished men, among them being Walter Scott, Lord Brougham and Francis Jeffrey.

He succeeded in introducing the study of Greek into the curriculum of the school, notwithstanding the opposition of the university headed by Principal William Robertson. In 1780 the University of Edinburgh conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws.

He lived his final years at 39 George Square.

He died after an illness of five days, during which he occasionally imagined himself still at work, his last words being, “It grows dark, boys, you may go”. He is buried near his home, in the small graveyard of St. Cuthbert’s Chapel of Ease on Chapel Street (usually known as Buccleuch Parish Church). The grave lies on the north wall.