Samuel Johnson - [Persia] A curious collection of voyages and travels, selected from the writers of all nations. In - 1761

Samuel Johnson's "A Curious Collection of Voyages and Travels," published in 1761, is an anthology of extraordinary accounts of exploration drawn from writers of diverse nations. In the 18th century, travel literature was a vital source of geographical, ethnographic, and cultural knowledge for European readers fascinated by the expanding world beyond their borders. Collections like this gathered narratives of adventures, discoveries, and encounters with unfamiliar peoples and lands, combining entertainment with education. Johnson, a prominent literary figure, curated these diverse texts to offer insights into the breadth of global exploration, reflecting the era's imperial ambitions and curiosity. Such compilations helped shape European understanding of foreign cultures and the natural world during the Age of Enlightenment.