World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color
World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color World Cultures & Peoples 1819 rare plate book w/ 26 engravings & old hand color
$ 750.00

(Old Books, 19th Century Books, Geography, French Books, Illustrated Books, Geography, Ethnic Views, Costume Prints, Ethnography).

La Geographie en Estampes ou Moeurs et Costumes des differens pueples de la terre. (World Customs & Dress)
Published 1819, Paris by J.B. Imbert. 2nd edition.
202 pages. 26 engraved plates. Text in French. Allegorical frontis, ornate vignette title displaying archetypes from Americas, Africa, Middle Eastern and Europe. A rare little early 19th century pictorial compendium (includes Japan and China, Philippines, New Holland (Australia), Ceylon, Maldives, Georgians, etc.) of how people from around the world were imagined to look (through the eyes of the European engraver anyway).

Illustrated throughout with 26 charming engraved plates, most having 2 types shown, many with old amateur hand coloring which overall enhances their visual interest and appeal. 

Modern but exceedingly well done hand marbled paper covered oblong boards, gilt title lettering on contrasting leather label. Old text block entirely rehoused within this well done binding. 

Book is physically old and shows some signs of handling and time. Book is not new or in "new" condition.

Binding gently age worn, mostly light or inoffensive signs of handling and time but nothing severe or unsightly, book remains overall attractive as an object.

Text block appears complete as issued, obvious signs of heavy handling, paper is well toned with scattered spot staining (mostly small), title and frontis edge damp stained, paper was all hand made so it remains sturdy and supple, text block otherwise tight and sound internally.

The early artist was well intentioned and likely tried their best, but the lasting results illustrate how hard it is to paint well. I would estimate the hand coloring was done over 100 years ago, possibly even mid to early 19th century. The various elements of the features of the paint and color pigments and how they are laid down and the surface results all seem 19th century to my eyes. Still fascinating no matter what was intentioned or when it was done. A totally unique antique color plate book with an interesting modern appeal.

Still attractive on the shelf. The book displays a pleasing and unique age patina and is in overall nice antiquarian condition, any age flaws which may be present seem easy to overlook or forgive. 

Please review photos for more detail showing how this rare little book survives. The asking price reflects the condition based on our examination and 35+ years full time exposure to antiquarian books, maps and printed ephemera of all types and genres. Flaws seen and/ or described have been taken into account.

Book Measures c. 5 1/4" H x 7 3/4" W.

[B11843].