London: J. Debrett, 1798. First edition. Two volumes, sympathetically rebound in half calf, with new leather spines, but retaining carefully restored original marbled boards. Original boards a little rubbed, but recent leather all very good. Some spots of foxing internally. 220 x 140 mm (8¾ x 5½ inches). Volume I: viii, 526 pp. Volume II: viii, 528 pp.
William Tooke (1744–1820) was a British clergyman and an historian of Russia. This work gives a fascinating historical perspective, not only on his favoured Russia, but also on everything from the way ladies dressed in Peru, to the use of spices in 'the torrid zone'.