"Description de l’Univers Contenant les Differents Systemes Du Monde, les Cartes generales & particulieres de la Geographie Ancienne et Moderne…", Mallet, Alain Manesson

The title continues "Les Plans & les Profils des principales Villes & des autres lieux plus considerables de la Terre ; avec les Portraits des Souverains qui y commandent, leurs Blasons, Titres & Livrees ; Et les Moeurs, Religions, Gouvernemens & divers habillemens de chaque Nation." This five volume set is the first edition, published from Paris in 1683. A spectacular and complete set of this monumental work of history, geography and ethnology by Alain Manesson Mallet (1630-1706), a French cartographer and engineer. First Edition Octavo, five volumes (Tome I, II, III, IV, V). Rebound in nineteenth century blue half leather on spine with five raised bands and gilt stamped title and decorative elements between bands, with blue marbled paper boards and inside marbled end papers. With 5 engraved title pages, 2 engraved portraits, and over 650 plates (6 double page) depicting maps, plans, views, and diagrams. Volume I describes cosmographical subjects including spheres and the heavens, the World and Arctic regions, 302pp, index. Volume II covers all of Asia: China, Japan, Abaria, the East Indies, the Holy Land, Cyprus, etc., 299pp, index. Volume III describes the African continent, Malta, Egypt, and Madagascar, 256pp, index. Volume IV describes Europe, Scandinavia, Russia and Eastern Europe including Turkey, 328pp, index. The fifth and final volume describes the British Isles, and continues with Europe to discuss France, Germany, Holland, and Flanders, then to the Americas including Canada, Virginia, the Caribbean, Latin American and South America, and Australasia including Antarctica. Reserve $15,000.

References: Phillips (A) #3447, Pastoureau IA, Sabin #44130.

Condition: A

Slight wear to raised bands of spine, a few volume edges rubbed with a little abrasion the worst is Tome V with small (1") piece of blue marbled paper on front outer edge missing. The maps and plates are generally fine with the rare occasional foxing spot reducing one to very good. Text pages also very good to fine, contents and signatures very tight. A beautiful, complete set.