Cyclopaedia or An Universal Dictionary of Arts and Sciences

London: J F and C Rivington et al, 1783-86. Leather. Good. 17" by 10.5". Not Stated. Four volumes of the famous Chambers Cyclopaedia, which first began in 1728. This work is Abraham Rees' improved edition of Chambers' Cyclopaedia. He re-edited the original work in 1778 and created the supplements which contained much new matter. His edition was originally published in 1781-6 before a reprint in 1788-91.  Therefore this set is a very early edition of Rees' publication. For this edition Rees is said to have added more than 4,400 new articles. With an illustrated frontispiece to the first volume.Comprising volumes I and II of the original work and the two supplement volumes. This set is four volumes total. Without the plate volume which is often bound separately. This set is without the plate volume which was issued separately.Volume I is dated 1786, Volume II is dated 1779,  Volume III is dated 1781 and Volume IV is dated 1783. Bookplates to the front pastedown , 'FW Brydges Esq Tiberton, Herefordshire' and 'Robert Henry Lee Warner'.  Both of these individuals were from Tyberton Court which was built in 1729 for William Brydges. Robert Henry Lee-Warner was a descendent of the Brydges family and the house passed to the Warner family due to the lack of male heirs during the early nineteenth century. It was inherited by Anne Brydges who married Rev. Henry Lee Warner. A comprehensive encyclopaedia, with some tables throughout including one showing the Sun's declination. An important edition of this noted encyclopaedia. In a contemporary half calf binding with paper covered boards. Externally, worn to the spines. Loss to the head of the spine to all volumes, heavier to volume I. Splits to the joints of all volumes, though hinges remain firm. Patches of rubbing to the paper covered boards. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Occasional light spotting to pages. Good