Rare work illustrated with 199 in-text full-page costume plates, as stated in the table (not recorded by Colas. Hilaire p. 14).
Contemporary binding in red half shagreen, spine with four raised bands, triple panels ruled in blind and decorated with gilt central floral tools, some rubbing to the spine, marbled paper boards, marbled endpapers, a few small tears to the edges; period binding.
Two leaves have been restored (pages 51 and 147), one marginal tear, otherwise clean and fresh throughout.
A sweeping illustrated survey of the peoples of the world, featuring a substantial section on Oceania.
Among others, it depicts Russians from the Tver region, inhabitants of Siberia, Native Americans, Eskimos, and natives of various Oceanic islands, with their hunting or war weapons, ritual objects, and, for some, their tattoos.
Notable illustrations include a striking plate of a Sandwich Islands warrior and one of a tattooed man from Noukahiwa.