Cavendish PELHAM (compiler, editor).
The World: or, the Present State of the Universe. Being a general and complete collection of modern Voyages and Travels. Selected, arranged and digested, from the narratives of the latest and most authentic travellers and navigators. London: J. Stratford, 1806-1808. 2 volumes, large quarto (10 3/8 x 8 1/4in; 263 x 210mm). 130 engraved plates and maps (i.e. 1 engraved frontispiece to vol. I, 9 maps [3 folding], 120 engraved plates). (Spotting, toning, tears, some blank margins torn with loss [see images]). Contemporary reversed calf, red Morocco lettering-pieces to spines (worn, upper cover of vol.I detached). Provenance: Joseph Gilbert (of Claythorpe, Lincolnshire, early ownership inscriptions in each volume).
A valuable overview of the West’s knowledge of the world in the first decade of the 19th-century: this substantial two-volume work was originally issued in parts by the publisher, Stratford - an attempt at making the work more affordable by spreading the cost.
The number of plates and maps corresponds to the plate list given at the end of vol.II, but there does seem to be some discussion about the correct number of plates: this lot is therefore sold ‘as is’ not subject to return. The attractive plates are all re-worked versions of earlier images.
Pelham offers an excellent survey of many of the most important travel narratives of the previous fifty years. Major sources include: Travels in Upper and Lower Egypt by C S Sonnini; A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, for making discoveries in the Northern Hemisphere. Captains Cook, Clerke, and Gore. In the Years 1776, 1777, 1778 and 1780; Voyage of Discovery of the North Pacific Ocean and Round the World. 1790, 1791, 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795, Captain George Vancouver; A Missionary Voyage to the South Pacfic Ocean. Captain James Wilson; Earl Macartney's Embassy to the Emperor of China; Voyage of Governor Phillip to Botany Bay; Mr Hodges’ Travels to India (all in vol.I). In vol.II: La Perouse’s Voyage around the World; D’Entrcasteaux’s Voyage in Search of Perouse; Lessops Travels in Kamtschatka; Poertlock & Dixon: A Voyage around the World; there are then a number of European and Russian travels, anding up with ‘A general geographical description of the world’.
Sold ‘as is’ not subject to return.
- Binding Condition: worn
- Overall Condition: spotted, tears
- Size: 10 3/8 x 8 1/4in; 263 x 210mm
- Sold By: Shadowrock Rare Books
- Contact Person: Adam Langlands
- Country: United States
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