The Library of Stephen J. Farber

4 volumes, 4to (254 x 203 mm). 4 engraved frontispieces, 227 (of 228) engraved maps and plates, several folding. (Several plates toned, C3 in vol.2 corner torn with some loss to text, plate in vol.2 at p. 369 torn with losses, some closed tears to maps near gutters.) Early 20th century half calf, marbled boards, all edges stained red (light rubbing to extremes). Provenance: John Ralph Willis (1938-2007), professor in the Department of Near Eastern Studies, Princeton University (bookplate).

FIRST EDITION. The work comprises: Vol.1: First voyages of the Portuguese to the East Indies, 1418-1546; First voyage of the English to Guinea, and the East Indies, 1522-1598; First voyages of the English to the East Indies, set forth by the company of merchants, 1600-1620; Voyages to Africa and the islands adjacent, 1455-1721. Vol.2: Voyages and travels along the western coast of Africa, 1637-1735; Voyages and travels to Guinea and Benin, 1666-1726; Description of Guinea. Vol.3: Voyages and travels to Guinea, Benin, Kongo and Angola; Description of Loango, Kongo, Angola, Benguela, and adjacent countries; Description of the countries along the eastern coast of Africa, from Cape of Good Hope to Cape Guarda Fuy; Voyages and travels in China, 1655-1722. Vol.4: Description of China, of Korea, eastern Tartary and Tibet; Travels through Tartary, Tibet, and Bukharia, to and from China, 1246-1698. This work is often found under the publisher's name Thomas Astley. Alden & Landis 745/153; Cordier Sinica 1947; Hill 721 ("particularly good source for Portuguese and English voyages"); Sabin 28539.