A New Geographical, Historical, and Commercial Grammar; And Present State of the Several Kingdoms of the World, by William Guthrie. Published by Charles Dilly, 1788
A substantial eighteenth-century survey of the known world, William Guthrie's New Geographical, Historical, and Commercial Grammar was one of the period's most respected works of reference, bringing together geography, history, politics, commerce and natural history in a single comprehensive volume. Designed for the educated reader, it provides detailed accounts of the kingdoms and nations of the world, describing their physical geography, governments, economies, trade, resources, customs and inhabitants, while also incorporating James Ferguson's celebrated introduction to astronomy and a series of engraved maps by the eminent cartographer Thomas Kitchin. Frequently revised and expanded, the work remained a standard geographical reference throughout the late eighteenth century, reflecting Britain's growing commercial and imperial interest in the wider world.
A New Geographical, Historical, and Commercial Grammar; And Present State of the Several Kingdoms of the World, by William Guthrie, Esq. The Astronomical Part by James Ferguson, F.R.S. Illustrated with a Correct Set of Maps, Engraved by Mr. Kitchin, Geographer.
Published by Charles Dilly; and G.G.J. and J. Robinson, London. 1788 - The Eleventh Edition, Corrected.
A fair hardback - missing its front board (else this book would likely have been considered to be very good).
The rear cover and spine are still present and are in contemporary calf, with rubbing and wear. The spine has raised bands and a gilt burgundy morocco title label.
The text block is fully intact and is bright and clean throughout with the occasional small flaw commensurate with age. The maps present very well indeed, Spotting is a bit more pronounced in a 20pp text section from p224. Previous owner's inscription to rare endpaper dating to 1790. Text block edges decorated with red speckling.
Some restoration to the binding could create a most handsome volume.
Text in English.
iv + 5-10 Preface + (2) Contents + 928pp. Plus all maps and Plates as called for. The Binder's directions in the book call for 19 fold-out maps + Plates of 'The Artificial Sphere' and an additional Table. These are all present, and located as specified. In addition to those listed in the binder's directions, this copy also contains the additional folding map A Chart of the World, Shewing the Latest Discoveries of Capt. Cook, facing p.367.
Dimensions: approx 225mm high x 140mm wide x 60mm deep.
Weight: approximately 1220g (unpacked).