Paris, Thomas Jolly, 1667-1671.
Four 4to volumes [242 x 195 mm]. Bound in granite-like brown calf, spine ribbed and decorated with gilt fleurons, sprinkled edges. Contemporary bindin
First edition and “one of the most valuable work we possess on the West Indies” (Sabin).
It is decorated with 2 engraved frontispieces, 5 maps, 17 engravings and coats of arms of A. de Harlay.
“It is very difficult to find a complete copy of this work. The P. Dutertre, says in his Foreword that he printed his book in 1654, because his copy was stolen. While he was printing it, Father Breton was asked, from M. de Poinçy, to give his lexicon of the savages’ language, and some memoirs he had composed, to an unknown person, who wanted to write a history of the West Indies. He found out later that it was Mr. Rochefort, minister of Rotterdam who, after having received the lexicon from P. Breton, and informed of the printing of his work, published his own in 1658, under the title “Histoire naturelle des Antilles de l’Amérique”.” (Leclerc. Biblioteca Americana, n° 1314).
“The two last volumes of this work were published in 1671 and are extremely scarce; complete sets are difficult to be met with, and bear a high price.” Rich.
A beautiful copy in its contemporary binding.
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