Redolent of the 1770s in its strictly contemporary binding, Campbell's Political Survey is more than dry political economy: the survey contains a wealth of information regarding the trades, agriculture, transportation, fisheries, seaports, markets and natural resources of Britain. The author was appointed the King's agent for the province of Georgia in 1765; accordingly this survey is rich with reference to the American and West Indian colonies. The subtitle itself says much of the author's aspirations for national self-sufficiency: the book is 'intended to shew That we have not as yet approached near the Summit of Improvement, but that it will afford Employment to many Generations before they push to their utmost Extent the natural advantages of Great Britain.'

Redolent of the 1770s in its strictly contemporary binding, Campbell's Political Survey is more than dry political economy: the survey contains a wealth of information regarding the trades, agriculture, transportation, fisheries, seaports, markets and natural resources of Britain. The author was appointed the King's agent for the province of Georgia in 1765; accordingly this survey is rich with reference to the American and West Indian colonies. The subtitle itself says much of the author's aspirations for national self-sufficiency: the book is 'intended to shew That we have not as yet approached near the Summit of Improvement, but that it will afford Employment to many Generations before they push to their utmost Extent the natural advantages of Great Britain.'

"The work is specially remarkable for its affluence of practical suggestion. It teems with projects for the construction of harbours, the opening up of new communications by road and canal, and the introduction of new industries. Campbell even proposed that the state buy up all the waste lands in the country and develop their latent resources, arable and pastoral." (ODNB)