Allgemeine Historie der Reisen zu Wasser und Lande; or Collection of all Travel Descriptions. Compiled by a society of learned men in English, and translated from the same into German (by J. J. Schwabe et al.). 21 vols. Leipzig, Arkstee & Merkus, 1747-74. 4°. (25 x 20 cm). With 205 mostly folded. With 205 mostly folded copper maps, 80 mostly folded engraved plans and 370 partly folded copper plates. Copper plates and 1 typographic folding plate. Prgt. d. (Somewhat dusty and stained, vol. 21 more affected and with small losses at front hinge). Cox I, 32; Landwehr, VOC 268; Sabin 913 - The most comprehensive collection of travelogues of its time. - Complete copy of the German edition of the great travel collection. Schwabe's translation is essentially based on the French adaptation by the Abbé Prévost. The most important accounts of the journeys to Africa, North and South America, China, the East Indies, Greenland, etc. undertaken up to that time are accompanied by engravings with maps, plans and views as well as illustrations of animals, plants, costumes, etc. Volume 21 contains detailed lists and indexes: Alphabetical index of contributions; geographical index (ca. 140 pp.) and general index (ca. 540 pp.) - Some browning in places, occasional minor waterstaining or foxing, few old annotations (mostly vol. 17), 2 pp. with small ink splashes, 1 map with marginal tear. - Overall very good condition and so completely rare.