Condition: 4 volumes folio ; (2) leaves, viij-lij-iv-592 pp. — (2) leaves, iv-725 pp. — (2) leaves, iv-564-(2) pp. — (2) leaves, ij-520 pp. Contemporary calf, spines divided in compartments by six raised bands, contrasting red morocco labels in two, others richly gilt with floral tools, leaf sprays, etc., sides ruled in gilt with three-line fillet, marbled endpapers, red edges. With 65 maps and plates (all but one double-page or folding); titles in red and black incorporating engraved pictorial vignette by Baquoy after Humblot; with all half-titles; woodcut head- and tailpieces, typographic ornaments, historiated and decorative initials.
First edition of this cornerstone of any collection of books on China, which is also among the rarest and most desirable of i..