Shepherd of Banbury’s Rules – John Claridge – 1744 | First Edition Newtonian Weather

The Shepherd of Banbury’s Rules to Judge of the Changes of the Weather by John Claridge is a rare 18^th-century book of early meteorology. This book is an interesting fusion of weather prediction fused with early Newtonian theory. The work presents a structured series of weather signs such as cloud formations, winds, behavior of animals, and celestial patterns gathered over forty years. Many are phrased as memorable proverbs such as, “The evening red and morning grey is a sign of a fair day.” The second section explains these weather changes using contemporary theories based on Newtonian principles. Topics include condensation, wind behavior, and seasonal shifts, outlined with the intention of aligning traditional practice with natural philosophy.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Shepherd of Banbury’s Rules to Judge of the Changes of the Weather, Grounded on Forty Years Experience
• Author(s): John Claridge
• Publisher: London, Printed for W. Bickerton
• Edition: First edition, 1744.
• Format: (8vo), single volume
• Binding: Hardcover
• Size:  8.25 in x 5 in (21 cm x 12.7 cm)
• Collation: [ii], viii, 64 pp
• Contents Include:
  • Weather rules observed in nature
  • Explanations using Newtonian atmospheric theory
  • Memorable proverbial expressions

Condition:

Good condition. The binding is worn at corners and edges. The spine and text block remain intact. Internally complete with light age-toning to the pages. No major tears, repairs, or annotations noted.

Why Collect This?

• First edition of a rare 18th-century meteorological work
• Combines rural tradition with Newtonian science
• Features early examples of practical weather prediction

Item Number: # 29457