An Universal, Historical, Geographical, Chronological and Poetical dictionary : exactly describing the situation, extent, Customs, Laws, Manners, Commodities, &c. of all Kingdoms [...] In two volumes.

London: J. Hartley ; W. Turner and Tho. Hodgson, 1703. Two volumes, full leather binding, rebacked in matching leather with raised bands, gilt rules, "1703" stamped in gilt, original (rubbed) leather title labels laid on, original boards blindstamped both sides with a rectangular design with a small stylised floral design each corner of the design. Corners heavily rubbed. Very good condition. Scarce.

A handsome set of an uncommon, very early reference book, covering a wide range of subjects from the historical uses of the letter "A," to the location of the "Zuyderzee". It is recognized as the first English-language reference work to present general information in an alphabetical format, and is thus a key development in the codifying of knowledge. (It pre-dates, albeit with a different purpose, Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language (1755) by over 50 years.) The work was based on French sources. The full-title is "An universal, historical, geographical, chronological and poetical dictionary : exactly describing the situation, extent, customs, laws, Manners, Commodities, &c. of all Kingdoms, Common-Wealths, Provinces, Islands and Cities, in the known world. Containing Likewise The Lives of the Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Primitive Fathers ; Emperors, Kings, Princes, Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, and other eminent Persons ; with an Account of the Inventors and Improvers of Arts and Sciences, Philosophers, and all Celebrated Authors. Also The History of the Pagan Gods, very useful for the Understanding of Classick Authors ; of the several Sects among the Jews, Christians, Heathens and Mahometans, with their principal Ceremonies, Games and Festivals ; of General Councils and Synods, when, and where Assembled ; of the Establishment and Progress of Religious and Military Orders ; and of the Genealogies of the most Illustrious Families, especially our English, Scotch and Irish. The Whole consisting of a curious Miscellany of Sacred and Prophane History, Extracted from Moreri, Baylc, Baudrand, Hoffman, Danet, and many more of the best and choicest Historians, Geographers, Chronologers and Lexicographers, Ancient and Modern. In two volumes." Item #105688

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