Contemporary Scottish binding of full calf with twining gilt borders, superbly rebacked in the late eighteenth-century, smooth spines densely gilt and with central floral devices, two red morocco gilt labels per volume, gilt board edges, marbled endpapers, red and blue pattern edges. Contemporary bookplate on verso of front endpapers. Some light scuffing, neat repair to upper joint of volume VII. Overall, a wonderful and entirely complete set.

Compiled by Ashwan and John Churchill, this is a very valuable collection, both for its range of coverage and for the fact that it gives the original accounts. It is the first of the great eighteenth century compilations of voyages, divided in regions and arranged chronologically, taking most of the pre-1600 material from Hakluyt and those to 1625 from Purchas (despite being critical of both of these predecessors). The first edition was published in 1704 (with only 105 maps and plates). This, the third edition, is considered to be the best because of its greater inclusiveness and its copious index. A descriptive introduction entitled ‘The catalogue and character of most books of voyages and travels (p. i-xxix) is included in the first volume” (Hill). This set also contains the rare two volumes known as the Harleian Voyages, compiled from Lord Oxford’s library by Thomas Osborne. Here Osborne‘s works comprise volumes VII and VII of the series; these two volumes were also issued separately in 1745.

Hill 295. Sabin 13017 & 13015n.

HBS # 65328 $30,000