PETIT, Édouard. Illustrated universal history of countries and peoples. Published in Paris by Aristide Quillet in 1913. In 4 volumes, In quarto / In-4 format. Red half-chagrin, smooth spine adorned with cold-stamped floral decoration, gilt titling and tomaison, embossed floral decoration and titling in gold lettering on red percaline boards, speckled edges. VIII and 617 pp; 522 pp; VI and 625 pp; 713 pp, numerous black and color illustrations in the text and on off-text plates, some folding, some vignettes in headbands and tailpieces. Minor rubbing, a few tears and light scratches to boards. Some foxing. Set of volumes 1 to 4 (of 8) of this vast panorama of the Universal History of Countries and Peoples published under the direction of Édouard Petit. The text, covering the history of the formation of the Earth, the evolution of races and nations, and the history of civilizations and progress, is accompanied by a rich iconography featuring portraits, paintings of historical scenes, maps, etc. A good, solid, homogeneous set for this ambitious, abundantly illustrated historical fresco.