The New Royal Cyclopaedia and Enyclopaedia or, Complete Modern and Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences (vols. 3 only)
London: Alex. Hogg, 1790. New Edition. Hardcover. folio ca. 10.5" x 15" rebacked with brown quarter leather, retaining what are old or original marbled paper covered boards. Boards show heavy wear and moderate soiling. Contents generally good, new free endpapers as well as old one, attractive frontispiece, The title page states Vol. 3 only, of 3 volumes to make the set. These were, apparently bound in either 2 or 3 volumes, but printed as 3. and page 1257 is the first page after the title - it ends with "Zythum" on page 1815, which is the last page of entries. (consistent with the instructions to the binder) pp. 1816 is instructions to binder and then 4 unnumbered pages of list of subscribers. Binders had the option to bind in 2 vols. or 3 for a 1790 edition. This copy is undated, so 1790 is an estimate. The binders instruction gives the plate number and location- the plates were printed and numbered separately, so this list gives a guide as to which plate number is to go at what location- a bit messy to deal with. There are 53 copperplate engravings -- according to the binder's instructions 43 are expected, thus 10 are present that would likely have been placed in vol. 1- 2. Also many of the plates are not placed where they are expected from the binder's instruction making it tedious to sort out. Not listed in the list of plates is a Map of the world by Alex. Hogg which is undated and appears after pp. 1804. The plates and contents are generally in good condition- many pages, much better, some have closed tears, some brown spot- in text as well, age toning of paper- mainly around edges. Quite an interesting collection of information and interesting collection of plates. Many of the plates are impressive. Overall a good copy seeking a mate. Note: due to size and weight, shipping outside the USA or priority shipping will be more expensive than an average book. Good. Item #8527
Price: $200.00