Small folio with 21 maps (seven folding) and 101 plates. Collated with ‘Directions to binder for placing the CUTS’. (one plate in Vol 1 listed at page 486 placed at page 489) Titles in red and black. Rebound with new leather spines and contemporary leather boards. A very handsome set with only a little light foxing and paper browning. The first of three popular geographies of the period…Moore’s New and Complete Collection of Voyages (1780) and Anderson’s New, Authentic and Complete Collection of Voyages 1784-86). Scarce to the market Volume One has 546 pages and covers Asia and Africa with an introduction on the terms used in Geography Volume Two has 554 pages covers Europe and America with a ‘New Discoveries’ section on Australia and the Pacific much of it based on Captain Cook’s recent discoveries including a lengthy four page description of the east coast of New Holland. A further ‘Supplement’ gives a detailed summary of Cook’s second voyage. Middleton’s work is known for its glorious maps including two folding world maps by the renowned engraver Thomas Bowen. The work is also known for its fine American views including depictions of Niagara, Quebec, the falls on the Mohawk and beaver hunting in Canada Sabin 48854; Beddie 870