Print  Specifics: Type of print: Intaglio, Steel engraving - Original antique print Year of printing: 1842 Publisher: William Beattie, George Virtue, Ivy Lane, London Condition: 1 (1. Excellent - 2. Very good - 3. Good - 4. Fair). When I received this print, it was in a very poor shape, like the one (not included) from the same series, shown in the last photo (at a reduced scale). Dimensions: 8 x 10.5 inches, (20 x 26 cm) including blank margins (borders) around the image. Paper weight: 2 (1. Thick - 2. Heavier - 3. Medium heavy - 4. Slightly heavier - 5. Thin) Reverse side: Blank Note: Green border around the print is a contrasting background on which the print was photographed. Original Narrative:   This view is taken from the pier, with Edinburgh, the Castle, the Calton-hill, and Salisbury-crags. LEITH, which performs nearly the same important services to the " Modern Athens" as tlie " Piraeus" did to the Ancient, has long served as the port and harbour of Edinburgh, to the prosperity of which, as well as to that of the whole country, it has greatly contributed.   As early as the beginning of the fourteenth century the citizens of Edinburgh received from King Robert I. a grant of the harbour of Leith ; but, owing to the resistance of a powerful family, to whose interests it was prejudicial, the royal grant was of little or no value to the city.  As soon, however, as the difference was adjusted, and the corporation of Edinburgh had obtained 'undisturbed possession of the harbour, symptoms of mercantile prosperity became visible. But as this prosperity was confined to tlie corporation, the inhabitants of Leith were naturally incensed at the monopoly; they felt themselves debarred from the natural advantages, profits, and employments of their maritime position, and daily beheld the wealth which flowed in*o their port transferred to the hands of those who were neither resident nor proprietors in the place.  In 1555 a strong effort was made by the inhabitants of Leith to throw off their humiliating dependence.  With tills object in view they petitioned the Queen Regent of Scotland, Mary of Lorraine, for the royal sanction and assistance; and succeeded as far as to get Leith erected into a burgh of barony, a preparatory step to its being raised to the independence of a burgh royal.  From this epoch, however, having obtained letters patent, empowering the inhabitants to elect magistrates, and charters for erecting divers of their trades and arts into corporations, Leith acquired the name and distinction of a town.  By these charters the people were divided into four classes, each of which became an incorporated body, known as the shipmasters, the traffickers or merchants, the maltmen, and tlie trades' companions;  the last of which possesses exclusive privileges.   Martin2001 Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy! Any print purchased from me may be returned for any (or no) reason for a full refund including all postage. Internet seller since 1998. Five-star service.