The Domestic Encyclopaedia, or, A Dictionary of Facts, and Useful Knowledge : comprehending a concise view of the latest discoveries, inventions, and improvements, chiefly applicable to rural and domestic economy ; together with descriptions of the most interesting objects of nature and art ; the history of men and animals, in a state of health or disease ; and practical hints respecting the arts and manufactures, both familiar and commercial ; illustrated with numerous engravings and cuts
London: Printed for Murray and Highley ... Vernor and Hood ... G. Kearsley ... H.D. Symonds and Thomas Hurst ... and the author, 1802.
Four volumes. Octavos, xvi, [2], 528; xiii, 512; xii, 512; xiii, 492 pages. 28 plates (complete), one hand-colored, plus illustrations in the text. FIRST EDITION. The first domestic encyclopedia in the English language, an encyclopedia aimed at the rural household, with emphasis on agriculture and domestic concerns, but not much on cookery. Murray and Highley published this reference work in octavo-sized volumes, smaller and handier than the Britannica's quartos, or the Chamber's folios. In 1803 an American edition was issued by Birch and Small of Philadelphia, expanded into five volumes by James Mease. A second American edition was issued in just three volumes in 1821, but unlike the earlier editions, it contained cookery (see Lowenstein 87 for a note on this). In marbled boards over quarter speckled brown calf, professionally re-backed with the original spine panels and labels. Lacking the original half-titles, but otherwise very good, clean and sound throughout. Still, handsome and very good. With the bookplate of John Fuller, Director of the Scottish Hotel School, and a great collector of books on cookery, gastronomy and hospitality; and with a second, earlier, unidentified bookplate. [Attar 339.1; Bitting, page 499; Lowenstein 87 (for American printings)].
Price: $1,000.00