STRAHLENBERG, Phillip Johann von (1676–1747). An

STRAHLENBERG, Phillip Johann von (1676–1747). An Historico–Geographical Description of the North and Eastern Parts of Europe and Asia…Russia, Siberia, and Great Tartary. London: for W. Innys and R. Maney, 1738. Small 4to (229 x 171 mm). Large engraved folding map by R.W. Seale, outlined with hand–coloring, folding woodcut map, large folding table at rear, 10 engraved plates including 3 folding (one map), numerous woodcut tables and illustrations in text. Contemporary calf twice ruled in gilt fillets, rebacked preserving original spine and endpapers, raised bands, morocco lettering–piece gilt. Provenance: Rolle (armorial bookplate). SECOND ENGLISH EDITION of an important work on Siberia and Great Tartary, first published in Stockholm in 1730. The author spent 10 years in Siberian captivity between 1711-1722 after the defeat of Charles XII. During his stay in Russia he collected information and material on the languages and people of Uralic and Altaic stock, which became the basis for this work. The text is highly significant by offering much first-hand information related to the geographical, historical, and ethnographic character of Siberia and Great Tartary. Also included are early descriptions of the linguistics of the region, with a Kalmyk vocabulary including the translations of Mongolian words. Arguably the most important aspect of this publication is Strahlenberg's rare and important map representing the Russian realm and Great Tartary, which contains extensive information regarding Siberia. Cox I, 194; Crowther 2034.