First edition of Ferrario's monumental work, issued in French and Italian, this being the Italian text version. It is a comprehensive account of the flora and fauna, costumes, religious customs, recreations of all the peoples of the world, both ancient and modern and including many topographical views etc. It represented the first detailed study of world geography with reference to civil and military customs, customs and tradition of various diverse peoples, little known at the time. Of particular importance are the illustrations in the United States depicting Native American monuments, cities and populations. It was very successful and reprinted several times.

Giulio Ferrario (1767-1847) was head librarian of the Braidense Library and author of several erudite historical works.

First edition (Italian text version); 14 vols bound in 18 [with] 4 supplementary vols, 22 in total; large 4to; illustrated with 6 large folding maps, 1640 aquatint plates, of which 1517 are hand-coloured, various tables, etc., portrait of Francis I replaced with an emblematic portrait of 'Terra', occasional short closed tears (not affecting plates), scattered light foxing, plates slightly toned, 2 vols heavily toned; contemporary vellum-backed maroon boards, red and green morocco spine labels with gilt lettering, a very good set.

Brunet II, 1232; Colas 1051, 1052 & 1053; Cicognara 1648; Graesse, II, 571