A COMPLETE SYSTEM OF GEOGRAPHY: Being a description of all the ... known world

London: Printed for William Innys, Richard Ware, Aaron Ward, et al., 1747. First edition. Two massive full-leather folio volumes with A TOTAL OF 68 MAPS AND 2 PLATES. Lacking only 1 map in first volume. VOLUME ONE -- includes 27 of the 28 maps called for with 9 folding maps; 2 double-plate maps; 16 single-plate maps; plus 2 single plates, “Solar System” and “Artificial Sphere” (lacking only “The World in Two Hemispheres”). VOLUME TWO -- complete with 41 maps as called for with 12 folding maps; 23 double-plate maps, and 6 single-plate maps. AN ENDLESSLY FASCINATING SET BOTH FOR THE MAPS AND THE ACCOMPANYING TEXT DESCRIBING PEOPLES AND PLACES AROUND THE (truncated) GLOBE. David Rumsey, in the notes to the copy in his collection (available online), states “there are several important maps of America: America, West Indies, Mexico, Louisiana, Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania et al, and Newfoundland et al.” In surprisingly nice condition overall with only the “Chart of the World” (double plate, volume 1) detached from its stub. Otherwise, despite the occasional chip, light stain or tear, this set is altogether near fine with most pages surprisingly fresh and  remarkably bright. Quite scarce on the market, especially so very nearly complete. (Inventory #: 71742)