GUTHRIE, W. 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. London: Printed for Charles Dilly, 1788.
(220 x 140 mm) pp. 10, [2], 928. Embellished with 24 folding maps (all present). Contemporary ink spill in top right corners from pp. 44-53. Some browning to pages. Presentation copy to Joshua Page (signed in back and Ware-School plate sympathetically rebound into front paste down). Buckram binding with abbreviated title & author on spine. Overall VERY GOOD condition & excellent candidate for rebinding to a more appropriate style.
ESTC lists copies of this edition only at Oxford, the National Trust and the University of Bristol’s Special Collections.
The full title summaries the contents as including: , I. The figures, motions, and distances of the planets, according to the Newtonian system, and the latest observations. II. A general view of the Earth considered as a planet; with several useful geographical definitions and problems. III. The grand divisions of the globe into land and water, continents and islands. IV. The situation and extent of empires, kingdoms, states, provinces, and colonies. V. Their climate, air, soil, vegetable productions, metals, minerals, natural curiosities, seas, rivers, bays, capes, promontories, and lakes. VI. The birds and beasts peculiar to each country. VII. Observations on the changes that have been any where observed upon the face of nature, since the most early periods of history. VIII. The history and origin of nations: their forms of government, religion, laws, revenues, taxes, naval and military strength, orders of knighthood, &c. IX. The genius, manners, customs, and habits of the people. X. Their language, learning, arts, sciences, manufactures, and commerce. XI. The chief cities, structures, ruins, and artificial curiosities. XII. The longitude, latitude, bearings, and distances of principal places from London. To which are added, I. A geographical index, with the names of places alphabetically arranged. II. A table of the coins of all nations, and their value in English money. III. A chronological table of remarkable events from the creation to the present time.
ESTC N50833
MB102