2 volumes. [9], xvi, [4], 984; [10], 1056, [22] pp. With 61 plates of maps, charts, and illustrations. (Folio) 40x24 cm (15¾x10") period calf, raised spine bands, red and black spine labels lettered in gilt, gilt compartments. Second Edition.
Second, and best edition, considerably expanded from the first edition of 1705. This highly regarded work contains the first separate map of Australia, and one of the the first maps to focus on Georgia and the southeast United States, along with valuable cartography on the Northwest Passage, North and South America, the Arctic regions, and more. A voluminous assemblage of the best accounts of world travel. "The second edition, especially prized for its maps, has been called the most complete by several authorities. Particularly valuable is the inclusion of a printing of Tasman's original map and two short articles printed on the map. One discusses Quiros's voyage, while the other speculates about the possibility of the Australian continent being colonized: 'Whoever perfectly discovers and settles it will become infallibly possessed of territories as rich and fruitful and as capable of improvement as any that have hitherto been found.' To the original extensive collection are added accounts of voyages completed since the first publication: Christopher Middleton to Hudson's Bay, 1741-42; Bering to the Northeast, 1725-26; Woodes Rogers's circumnavigation, 1708-11; Clipperton and Shelvocke's circumnavigation, 1719-22; Roggeveen to the Pacific, 1721-33; and the various travels of Lord Anson, 1740-44" -Hill.
Condition:
Wear and soiling to bindings with rubbing to extremities, Vol. 1 joints starting, front hinge cracked, Vol.2 joints and hinges cracked, spine leather starting to peel; small catalogue entry describing the set affixed to front pastedown of Vol. 1, darkening to text block, scattered foxing affecting some plates, occasional small closed tear to map folds, a few small closed tears or chips at page edges, some gatherings a bit loose here and there and binding to vol. 2 shaken, but everything intact; very good.