The 1798 edition of The British Tourists; or Traveller’s Pocket Companion by William Fordyce Mavor is a six-volume set combining practicality with refined Georgian aesthetics. Each small octavo volume measures approximately 6.5 x 4 inches, designed for easy portability—ideal for travelers of the late 18th century.
Initially issued in plain boards or modest leather, many surviving sets were later rebound in full or half calf with gilt-tooled spines, raised bands, marbled boards, and speckled or marbled edges. The typography is clean and readable, with classical title pages and, in some editions, decorative engraved headpieces or tailpieces. Some evidence of water staining and wear on all 6 volume’s top and bottom of spine.
Illustrations are modest but useful. This set includes folding, hand-colored engraved maps—especially of London and Scotland—highlighting roads, towns, and natural features. Some sets also contain scenic frontispieces or vignettes.
Printed on durable laid paper, the books have aged well, though signs of wear such as rubbed edges which are common in well-used copies.
This set is both a functional guidebook and a collectible object, offering insight into Georgian travel and publishing. It remains an important artifact of early British tourism and literary culture.