The World in Miniature
London: R. Ackermann, [1820-1827].
First edition of Frederic Schoberl's illustrated ethnography series. Complete in 43 sextodecimo volumes. Rebound in red cloth over quarter brown morocco titled in gilt, red ribbon markers. Complete with 2 maps and 646 handcolored engraved plates, most depicting the world's inhabitants in their national costumes. Near Fine with very light wear to covers and light toning and scattered foxing to contents.
The following volumes are overall clean and bright:
Africa: 4 volumes containing 2 maps and 45 color plates.
The following volumes have light foxing and condition issues as noted:
Asiatic Islands and New Holland: 2 volumes containing 26 color plates; creasing and short tear to plate 18.
The English writer and illustrator Frederic Schoberl spent the better part of a decade on The World in Miniature, meticulously recording information from many sources and creating hundreds of drawings for the pocket-sized book series. The text describes the customs, manners, costumes, and industries of societies around the world. That world is viewed through a very English lens, with little attempt at objectivity. England herself occupies four volumes, the Indian subcontinent in which she was so interested occupies six, and South America – whose sole British colony was British Guiana – is overlooked entirely. Nonetheless, the series was an important introduction to other cultures for readers at the time, and the exquisite color plates still delight today. Complete sets are rare.
England: 4 volumes containing 82 plates (81 called for by Tooley plus one extra frontispiece to Volume III).
Illyria and Dalmatia: 2 volumes containing 32 plates.
Japan: 1 volume containing 20 colored plates.
The Netherlands: 1 volume containing 18 color plates.
Russian Empire: 4 volumes containing 72 plates.
Spain and Portugal: 2 volumes containing 27 plates.
Switzerland: 1 volume containing 18 plates.
Turkey: 6 volumes containing 73 color plates.
Austria: 2 volumes containing 32 color plates.
China: 2 volumes containing 30 plates, faint offsetting from ribbon marker to plate 27.
Hindoostan: 6 volumes containing 103 plates; 1-1/2 inch split to foldline of plate 13, full split to plate 38 foldline partly repaired with tape to verso, 1 inch split to pg. 57 foldline.
Persia: 3 volumes containing 30 plates.
South Sea Islands: 2 volumes containing 26 plates, of which one is relief.
Tibet: 1 volume containing 12 plates.
Price: $15,000