This important account of European settlement and colonization was Raynal’s greatest achievement. It provides a complete and insightful survey of trade and colonization throughout the New World and Asia including extensive descriptions of the discoveries, wars, conquests, settlements, trade routes, agriculture, and missionary activity. This edition is expanded to include a contemporary account of the American Revolution. Raynal’s controversial indictment of slavery and critical examination of colonization resulted in the banishment of his work by the French parliament. The work was enormously popular and was translated into several languages. It is a key piece of democratic writing in the period leading up to the French Revolution.

This expanded English translation is illustrated with seven fine maps by Thomas Kitchin, including maps of the world, Europe, Africa, East Indies, South America, Mexico and West Indies, and the fledgling United States. The Map of the United States in North America: with the British, French and Spanish Dominions Adjoining, according to the Treaty of 1783 is one of the earliest English maps to officially acknowledge the United States. Published by Strahan and Cadell, London. Hardbound in original tree calf with gilt embossed spines and marbled endpapers. Armorial bookplate of Thomas S. McClelland of Kirkcudbright in all volumes.

References: McCorkle #783-11.

Condition: B+

Maps with some offsetting, a couple tiny insertion tears and minor miss-folding. Text very clean with minimal offsetting and toning. There are a few pencil and old ink markings on title pages. Bindings with slight shelf wear and some chipping of spines. Front cover of volume VIII is nearly detached. Overall a handsome set of the most desirable edition of this influential work.