Fine Books & Manuscripts

PINKERTON, John (1758–1826). A General Collection of the Best and Interesting Voyages and Travels in all Parts of the World, [India Proof Folio]. [London: Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme, 1808–1814]. FIRST EDITION. A single folio volume containing INDIA PROOF impressions of the plates from the 17-volume quarto edition. Illustrated with 201 views and maps on 197 plates mounted to cards, maps engraved with large margins (occasional offsetting and spotting to margins of cards, few plates affected). Contemporary crimson morocco gilt, raised bands (rubbed), compartments with elaborate gilt scrollwork, green morocco label lettered in gilt (slightly detached), all edges gilt, broad turn-ins ruled in gilt (boards well rubbed and scuffed, early rebacking with original spine laid down, front hinge weak with partial splitting (interior reinforced), endpapers darkened at fore edges). AN INTERESTING AND UNUSUAL COLLECTION OF INDIA PROOF IMPRESSIONS OF THE PLATES FROM PINKERTON’S POPULAR AND EXHAUSTIVE SURVEY. [Together with:] A General Collection of the Best and Interesting Voyages and Travels in all Parts of the World by PINKERTON. London: Longman, Hurst, Rees and Orme, 1808–1814. 17 volume set. Large 8vos. FIRST EDITION. Folding map and engraved view of islands in vol. 1; engraved map in vol. 2; rest of plates incomplete. Contemporary polished calf framed in both gilt and blind tooling, raised bands, compartments ruled and titled in gilt, marbled endpapers (spines dried with rubbing and chipping at ends, hinges weak with occasional separation (few boards detached) and staining, scant browning or spotting to text). Provenance: armorial bookplates of Thomas Newbold. Hill 13621; Sabin 62957. “This collection is of great value for its text, which are sometimes given entire and sometimes abridged, with as much as possible of the traveler’s own language…” (Hill).