The World in Miniature - Complete in 43 Volumes
London: R. Ackermann, 1821-1827. 1st Edition. Duodecimo. Near Fine. Item #17999
An EXCEEDINGLY RARE COMPLETE 1st Edition of the entire 43-volume series, originally published in parts between 1821-1827.
Bound in gorgeous later 19th-century tree calf by the Morrell Bindery in London, with beautiful gilt work to both boards and spine.
Each volume is dedicated to a certain country or region of the known world and "containing a description of the manners, customs, habits, dress, and other peculiarities Characteristic of their Inhabitants, and those of adjacent countries;..."
Each volume is profusely illustrated with full-page hand-colored plates featuring the costume and activities of the local inhabitants.
Shorbel (1775-1853 was an English journalist, editor, translator, writer and illustrator, Notable not only for this exquisite work, but also editing the "Forget-Me-Not", the first literary annual, issued at Christmas,1823, and translating Hugo's "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame".
Shorbel began working with Rudolph Ackermann, the publisher of these volumes, in 1809 and developed a relationship that would last for decades, editing many works for the publisher, as well as editing works for Sir Walter Scott and Mary Wollstonecraft.
These volumes are from the library of notable early 20th-century book collector and Proctor and gamble executive, Stockton Buzby, with his bookplate to the front pastedown of each volume.
Tree calf. Square tight bindings. Clean interiors, save for the previously mentioned bookplates, Little wear to bindings. including the mildest of edge wear and minor scuffing here and there. Interiors and hand-colored plates clean and bright.
A RARE and very desirable set.
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