114 - PREVOST, A.F., Abbé.

PREVOST, A.F., Abbé. General History of Travel, or A New Collection of All Accounts of Voyages by Sea and Land That Have Been Published to Date in the Various Languages of All Known Nations In Paris, published by Didot, 1746–1757 (Vol. I–XIV) / by the Didot Widow (Vol. XV–XVI) / published by Rozet, 1768 (Vol. XVIII) / published by Panckoucke, 1770 (Vol. XIX) / Maradan, 1789 (Vol. XX) and Amsterdam, published by Arkstée and Merkus, 1761 (Vol. XVII). 20 volumes in-4 (25.5 x 19 cm). Marbled fawn sheepskin of the period, ribbed spine, title and volume number labels in red, fawn, and green, compartments richly decorated with small ironwork and gilt fillets, double gilt fillet on the edges, marbled edges (scratches and scuffs on the bindings, a few damaged caps; interior generally in good condition with slight foxing and browning, minor marginal defects on a few leaves, some loose leaves, tears without missing material on certain leaves; the bookbinder’s note and 6 plates from Volume 1 are missing). A beautiful set of the rare, complete first edition in 20 volumes. One of the most significant publishing undertakings dedicated to the history of 18th-century exploration. Published under the direction of Abbé Prévost, the *Histoire générale des voyages* compiles, translates, and organizes the principal accounts of sea and land voyages published up to that time in various European languages. Published between 1746 and 1789 by various publishers in Paris and Amsterdam, the 20 volumes offer a panorama of 18th-century geographical and ethnographic knowledge, covering in particular Africa, Asia and the East Indies, China, Japan, the Americas, and the polar regions. The accounts of navigators, explorers, missionaries, and travelers address geography, natural history, peoples and their customs, religions, governments, and trade. Remarkable illustrations comprising 592 engraved plates—single, double, or fold-out—including numerous maps and plans, as well as views, landscapes, depictions of cities, monuments, costumes, ceremonies, peoples, and the flora and fauna of the various regions described. Engraved by various artists of the time, including Cochin the Younger and Tardieu, based on the original editions of the travel accounts. Notably included are a world map in Volume VI and numerous maps of North America in Volume XIV (New York, Boston, Florida and Louisiana, Quebec, and the lakes of Canada...). Sabin, 65402. Brunet, IV, 868.