45 volumes (complete, including Index volume). Illustrated throughout with numerous plates from engravings, drawings, maps, etc. (many are folding), plus figure drawings within the text. 9x6, uniformly bound in period half calf and mottled boards, spines decoratively tooled in gilt, each with two gilt-lettered red and black morocco spine labels, moiré endpapers, each with an attached ribbon bookmark, all page edges marbled. First Edition.

Massive history of the world with contributions from 30 different scholars and historians (including Oncken), accompanied with various illustrations that provide wonderful insights into the many artifacts and clues discovered throughout the centuries from various ancient cultures. Oncken (1838–1905) taught at the University of Giessen and many of his works are included in this collection, which became a standard household fixture for the educated German family. Covers the Egyptians, the Babylonians and Assyrians, Greece, the Middle East, Asia, Persia, etc.