It is somewhat surprising that the history of so ancient and important a manufacture as that of Linen, and of the commerce connected with it, has not long before this time been placed in a comprehensive form before the world. It is one of the axioms of Political Economy, as it is held at the present day, that "demand creates supply," but, up to the present time, that has not in this instance been verified. The feeling that such a work was needed has often been expressed, both by the general public and by those immediately concerned in the Trade, but without, until now, having the effect of bringing forth one.

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This heavily illustrated and innovative study is founded upon personal documents, town council minutes, legal cases, inventories, travellers' tales, plans and drawings relating to some 30 Scots burghs of the Georgian period. It establishes a distinctive a