[RUSSIA] - The Costume of the Russian Empire, illustrated by a series of seventy-three engravings. London: S. Gosnell per William Miller, 1803. First edition of this attractive and historically valuable record of the peoples of the Russian Empire as it stood at the end of the reign of Empress Catherine the Great. "The Russian empire is of an extent unknown to other modern nations, and hardly equalled by that of the Romans in the summit of their power. It embraces within its limits, nations the most various, with countries and climates the most opposite.. It touches the Frozen Ocean of the north; and borders the warm climate of Persia, Japan, and China, on the south.." (Preface). Folio (370 x 275mm). Titles and text in English and French, 73 fine hand-colored stipple-engraved plates by J. Dadley (plate 69 with a light crease, occasional light soiling). Backed in contemporary red straight grained morocco over red paper boards, gilt title on spine (extremities rubbed). Abbey Travel, 244.

Estimate € 500 - 800

Sold € 1,300