Fine example of a reference library in miniature from the Georgian period. Contained in its original custom-made book form box, and including two geographical reference works - one arranged alphabetically and the other by region. The third volume is a general biographical dictionary from ancient to contemporary times.

Fine example of a reference library in miniature from the Georgian period. Contained in its original custom-made book form box, and including two geographical reference works - one arranged alphabetically and the other by region. The third volume is a general biographical dictionary from ancient to contemporary times.

The two geographical references, which were intended as companion volumes, are of particular interest for what they show of the dissemination of information about discoveries in the Pacific to the general reading public. As late as 1802, some thirty years after the discovery of the Australian east coast by Cook, the Geographical and Historical Grammar notes the existence of New Holland only in a postscript entitled "New Discoveries": 'New Holland, an exceedingly large island in the Southern part of the Indian Ocean, upon the Eastern shore of which, at Botany Bay, the British have, with these few years, begun a new settlement'. This statement is followed by a list of Pacific Ocean discoveries and advice to consult the Geographical Dictionary for further information.

The Dictionary, here in its 1804 edition, includes folding maps of Australasia and Polynesia, with individual listings of numerous new discoveries in the Pacific. Whilst there are very brief entries for Botany Bay and New Holland, New Zealand, Otaheite, and "Papous, Land of" (Papua), there is a very detailed entry for the Sandwich Islands, including information about the history and geography of the islands, the native inhabitants, their culture and language.